KANG VANG

filmmaking / directing / scriptwriting

Kang Vang is a Hmong American filmmaker, teacher, and community leader with over a decade of experience in media production and education. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Kang moved to Minnesota with his family when he was just 10 months old, growing up at the intersection of two cultures. This personal history of navigating dual identities deeply informs his storytelling, giving his work an authenticity and emotional resonance that connects with diverse audiences.

Kang is especially committed to using film to preserve and share Hmong stories, traditions, and lived experiences. He is best known as a director and writer for 1985 (2016), Hmong Organization (2018), and The Pony Collector (2011), projects that have earned recognition for their thoughtful portrayal of Hmong American life. His films reflect the complexities of cultural heritage, generational change, and personal aspiration, exploring what it means to honor the past while forging one’s own path.

Beyond his creative work, Kang is an experienced educator who has helped build media literacy and production skills in the community. At Asian Media Access, he developed media education curricula designed to empower youth and underrepresented voices through storytelling and technical skills. He has also contributed to media education at the University of Minnesota, sharing his expertise and inspiring new generations of filmmakers. Kang remains committed to telling meaningful stories and supporting others in finding their own voices through film.

qualifications

Kang Vang is an accomplished screenwriter and director with extensive experience creating narrative films that explore Hmong American identities and stories. He has expertise in all phases of filmmaking, including editing with Adobe Premiere, production management, and directing feature-length projects.

His background includes developing media education curricula for Asian Media Access, demonstrating his ability to translate industry knowledge into accessible learning experiences for students and emerging artists. Kang also has experience teaching at the university level, reinforcing his commitment to mentorship and education. Additionally, his work in fundraising supports his capacity to manage and sustain independent film projects, further establishing him as a dedicated and versatile leader in the media arts.

Focus Areas

  • screenwriting

  • directing

  • film collaboration strategies

  • portfolio development and critique

SKILLS

  • screenwriting

  • directing

  • editing - Adobe Premiere

  • feature length filmmaker

  • production management

  • fundraising

Teaching / production EXPERIENCE

  • film mentor for In Progress

  • independent filmmaker and producer

LINKS