7 minute read
Mi Kwan Lock
Critically Acclaimed female lead in 6 feature films, French actress and director of Chinese descent, Mi Kwan Lock grew up in the Republic of Madagascar. “Having an artistic career isn’t the easiest choice, especially when you don’t know anyone who could give you advice. I experienced a lot of rejections. I’ve been told that ‘it would be impossible; artists are meant to be broke all their life. I’ve been told it’s not a real job, that it’s only a dream.” We continued to ask what would your response to be to this and with fire in her eyes (that’s passion) she said “to that, I answer: Yes! I’m a dreamer and I chose to make of my reality the dream I want to live in!” Being the World Changer she is she continued, “everyone has the right to do what they love and you can earn money by doing what you love. It’s possible!”
As we ask other artists that we interview about that they are proud of and what sets them apart from everyone else and she began with a humblebrag. “My friends describe me as bold, fearless and unstoppable! It was hard but I dared to sacrifice everything I had: my family, my friends, my lover, my professional network, my comfort… to start over on my own in a country, with a different language, with a visa that only allows me to work as an actress so there’s no plan B. I’m grateful to have the support of my friends and even if I haven’t seen my parents for 4 years and a half now, they understand it’s important for me to do everything I can to accom- plish my dreams. I want to make them proud of me. Mi Kwan began to tell us, “In terms of something that set me apart, I could mention my work in ‘A Korean in Paris’ directed by Jeon Soo-Il. The production had a hard time finding the right actress as the role of Chang was very demanding: she’s a prostitute so it required full nudi- ty and a simulated sex scene. Many actresses refused because of that, especially as the Asian families are usually very conservative and there’s still a strong code of honor.
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Then my name came up, I already played the lead in 3 feature films by then. The director liked my reel and was convinced I could do it. While I was reading the script, it was burning in my stomach: I felt I had to defend Chang’s story so I did. It required me to compartmentalize my body and my fear of being judged to use my body as a tool as Chang would do. I also wanted to bring her a lot of humanity and not play the idea of a prostitute. It was a role that had a big effect on me, I received many good critics about my performance and I’m grateful for that.” We went on to ask about her journey, not everyone’s journey is the easiest, and or it’s not always the hardest either. Let us explain “Having an artistic career isn’t the easiest choice, especially when you don’t know anyone who could give you advice. I experienced a lot of rejections, I’ve been told that it would be impossible, that artists are meant to be broke all their life, that it’s not a real job, that it’s only a dream… To that, I answer: Yes! I’m a dreamer and I chose to make of my reality the dream I want to live in! Everyone has the right to do what they love and you can earn money by doing what you love. It’s possible!”
Furthering into the conversation, we asked Mi Kwan to tell us about her work and she was telling us “I started on stage in a musical, then a Commedia Dell’arte and some sketch comedy. Then as my training got deeper, I booked jobs in commercials, industrials, shorts, TV shows and I got the chance to be the female lead in 6 feature films (South-Korea, France, Tahiti, Ivory Coast).
Two of them are still in post-production and I’m eager to share them with you! I was also a member of the jury in a few film festivals and volunteered to do voice-overs for 19 PSA’s in partnership with the Red Cross. Be- sides acting, I made my directorial debut with the short film “Red Karma”. I’m very proud of my team as we recent- ly won the “Honorary achievement in Cinematography” award at the Independent Cinema Showcase and “Best French Film” at the Hollywood Art & Movie Awards. Since I moved to LA, I starred as Ashley, an FBI agent in the new TV show “Cypher” directed by Majdi Siri, played in some commercials, music videos, and won the “UP(st) ART Artist of the Year 2018” Award. Most recently I performed in a beautiful sci-fi proof of concept called “Extra Ordinary” by Brendan Bellomo and dubbed into French some characters from the movies “The Chaperone”, “Offi- cial Secrets” and “Bombshell”.
As we do on all interviews we presented two words, “success” and “successful” and with a pure answer, she told us “For me, being “successful” means that you achieved a goal in your career, reached greatness in your art, in what you do. People recognize it and you get nicely paid for it.” Simply, gifted or talented, Ms. Lock said “I’d say “Talented” as I continue to hone my craft every single day. Talent is like a plant, if you don’t water it, it stops growing and may die at some point. But if you keep doing the work to honor it, you may overpass those who are naturally gifted.” Excited to find out what she is currently working on, and what the readers should check out, “I’m currently preparing a psychological thriller, a Sci-Fi feature film and I’ve just been added to the cast of a comedy pilot.” This leads to something she wished she would’ve known; here is her advice, “Be grateful for everything that happens in your life (good and bad) as it will help you grow and become who you’re meant to be. Use everything that the universe gives you for your art.” Before we call this interview to an end, we have all heard the saying “Be the change you want to see in the world” and with that being said, Mi Kwan wants us to be aware of Waste. “ WASTE! We don’t have to wait for the entire world to change, it starts with us, now and today! We live in a con- sumer society and it happens too often that people buy more than what they need and food gets wasted whereas there are people who die of hunger every day, even in the USA.
We also use so much plastic and non-biodegradable products. A few months ago, I discovered a brand called “Earthside” which goal is a Zero-Waste World. For instance, they mention that “2 Billion cotton swabs are thrown away each day in the United States alone. It’s estimated that there are more swabs and straws in our oceans than there are fish.” We’re all responsible and I’m a big fan of what they do! A big shout out too to Buffy. Each of their eco-friendly comforters is made out of recycled plastic bottles and eucalyptus fibers, it keeps 50 bottles out of landfills and protects 12 geese. ** I want to precise that I won’t earn anything by mentioning these brands but I want to support them as that’s how we can start to make a change. I love their products, please check them out thanks!” and if we don’t take care of the world then we can’t take care and continue in our art and according to Ms. Lock, “My ART is my life, my oxygen, that’s the only thing I can do. I’m truly connected to myself, to the world and it allows me to spread messages, defend stories, characters. I use it as a platform to raise consciousness and awareness, to make the world a better place.” With that being said leaving us with words of wisdom “My Leitmotiv LOVE LIVE GIVE. That’s the way I live each moment xxx”.
Ms. Frizzle always said it best, “take chances, get messy, and make mistakes.” Check out Mi Kwan’s bops: “Rise Up” by Andra Day “In a manner of speaking” by Nouvelle Vague “Voavy” by Salakao (a traditional song from Madagascar), “I feel it coming” by The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars.
Check out the sneak peek of future Legends: Joanna Faivre - IG @joannafaivre.makeup - Hair & Make-up Artist
