It was late 2016 when I sought to dive a little more into the work of filmmaker and stunt performer Temujin Shirzada. His Golden Horde-produced Mulan proof-of-concept eventually led me into the throes of Asian-American martial artist, Sarah Chang and as such, her activity also helped keep me abreast of some really exciting cinema to come out of the Philippines.
It’s a darn good time too, especially given the warm reception of Erik Matti’s latest, BuyBust. Other directors helping to pave the way forward in Filipino cinema beyond politics and creative differences as a result, particularly director, actor and martial artist Vincent Soberano, are already showing promise in this millenium, and rest assured, the nationally renowed Wushu stylist is certainly making her own investment quite clear and present as a result.
Filipino moviegoers are less than a month away from the new martial arts tournament thriller, The Trigonal, marking but a continuation of solid work thusfar for Soberano who has been pushing the needle forward to date. In the midst of this, it was back in February that I got to send Sarah some questions, and I’ve finally managed to hear back six months later following the course of her own busy schedule.
Her involvement at numerous publicity events, film productions in China, training and rehearsing with her stunt team, shepherding The Teacher, a thrilling action short film for a major studio launch in China, and filming her latest role in Soberano’s The Trigonal are what I imagine comprises just a fraction of her workload. To say the least, I’m more than pleased to finally share her story a little more for readers, as insightful, passionate and heartfelt as many of her responses are in the following exchange.
Tell us about your background.
I’m American born Chinese, born and raised in Virginia. My parents took me to Chinese School when I was little and that was where I was introduced to wushu. Even though I didn’t really enjoy it in the beginning and my dad insisted that I continue. At 12, I started to learn spear and that fueled my interest in wushu and it eventually became my passion. In 2001, I joined the United States National Wushu Team and was on it for 10 years. (We have to compete every two years to qualify for the team.) Acting was something that came to me much later. I was formally introduced to the industry by my friend Michael Tan. He action directed a music video and asked me to join him help train a girl group because of my wushu background. After that, Micheal introduced me to Jimmy Hung (Sammo Hung’s son) and I joined his action team in Taiwan. Soon enough, I was working on TV series and movies and started dedicating my free time to acting.
Talk about meeting Vincent Soberano prior to becoming integral with his work on Blood Hunters: Rise Of The Hybrids and The Trigonal.
The first time I met Vincent Soberano was at the Jackie Chan Training Center. My friend Kevin Lee brought me there for an audition and Vincent happened to be there to visit Hejun. He was introduced as an MMA coach. I was later filming a documentary with Director James Z. Feng and needed a gym location, so I contacted Vincent. I went to visit the gym and I told me he couldn’t make the shooting day because he was going to the Philippines for a film shoot. As cheesy as it sounds, I said offhand… “uh if you need any actresses that can fight…let me know.” I sent over my reel and audition tape and then actually got the lead role for Blood Hunters!
For the audition tape, Vincent taught me some choreography and we shot it. It was really refreshing at the time to work with someone who really understood action. The timing, rhythm and distance was very comfortable. Also his knowledge about combat is impressive, ask about literally in any type of martial arts: Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, you name it, you’ll get an informative answer. It’s also very rare to have a film school graduate and man who practiced martial arts all his life to direct a proper dramatic action film. Therefore not creating what he calls “action porn.”
The Trigonal is approaching its September 26 release date. Tell us about your role in the film.
Wahoo! I’m excited for the release!! I play the role of Mei, sort of the comic relief of the movie. Mei is an MIT graduate, Wushu expert, witty, socially awkward, and adventurous. She lives in her own little world and lives life like it’s a movie. She comes back to Bacolod, to visit her dad at his Chinese temple and then gets mixed up with the Trigonal syndicate after helping out one of their victims, played by Ian Ignacio.
Talk about working with Ian Ignacio who leads the film and also stars in Blood Hunters.
Working with Ian Ignacio was a great experience. I feel really we got into the dynamics of our movie relationship, so much that I feel like we have that kind of relationship in real life now. In the movie, my relationship to his character Jacob is like his newly adopted annoying kid sister. It was really fun going through the scenes because he would respond gruffly but in a caring manner, if that makes sense. Ian is like every action director’s dream lead actor. He has crazy kicks, great reactions, incredible control, understands several martial arts, and learns quickly. I remember Paul Alicia (who he fights in the movie) saying “I’ve never been kicked in the face with such care.”
You also choreographed the action for the film and have your own action design banner dubbed SaChang Action Design Team. What can fans expect in terms of your vision for the action and stunts to come? And how did you and Vincent gel together during the creative and post production process of designing action, shooting and editing?
For every action designer, it’s always about making something that’s never been seen before. We chose the team based of having a range of talents in different areas of martial arts ranging from FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) to Taekwondo, to Brazilian Jujitsu, that can be readily applied to any type of everyday action. I also want to create content that martial artists see and will be able to say “I would’ve done that too!” of “OH, he/she nailed it!” I’m really proud of one full-on Brazilian Jujitsu action scene, that I dare say really, REALLY has never been seen before. It wouldn’t have been possible without our talented cast. We were able to work with an amazing group of martial artists, including Taekwondo Man of the Year and Congressman Monsour Del Rosario, UFC Fighter Li Jingliang in his movie debut, Brazilian Jujitsu Instructor Gus Liem, and Capoeira Graduado Mekael Turner, to name a few. With our team and actors we were able to develop fights that were both meaningful to the audience through the story and interesting and cinematic through the choice of movements. Vincent and I have very similar views on movement, timing, and rhythm in action. In terms of creativity and post production, we usually make a lot of the same comments, which makes the editing process so much faster.
What were some of your biggest challenges from making The Trigonal?
The biggest challenge from making The Trigonal was starting the stunt team at the same time as shooting The Trigonal. We had another project “Last Night” we had to rig at the same time as shooting the Trigonal. So I had to plan out the and split up the team between the two sets. We also got rained out twice I believe on the set of “Last Night” which messed up our schedules having to fly in and out on short notice. I think definitely had an affect on my performance, and mental capabilities, considering I had to forego sleep altogether for several days.
On top of that, my father passed away two days before we started shooting The Trigonal. There was one scene that was between me and my father in the film played by Chinese Actor Yang QianLi. In the film, we both cried for the loss of my mother in the film, it was especially emotional, I didn’t really have to act. Here’s an Easter egg, a portion of the calligraphy in Mei’s room actually says “Like Father, like daughter” in Chinese.
Do you have any fun memories you can share from the set?
My favorite scene in The Trigonal was the Kungfu Panda, I remember when we did our acting workshop, and our acting coach, Gabby Fernandez, broke down the scene, and I really got the epitome of Mei’s character. After that it was non-stop laughter, I was able to just live in Mei’s character, which was so helpful, given the circumstances.
You’ve transplanted yourself heartily in Asia where your career has essentially picked up steam. What are some of your thoughts about possibly working in the U.S.?
I would love to! To the people reading, if you’re looking for an actress that can act and fight – I mean, really fight, please go to my website, starringsarahchang.com for more details and contact me. [laughs] This is the hustle. Thank you!
We first touched base over your Mulan proof of concept. Share your thoughts on the historical importance she’s had in our world’s history and her influences and the message her actions culmimate.
Mulan as an amazing female warrior, who embodies several ideals of Chinese culture. Filial Piety, honor, and perseverance. Due to the ballad written about Mulan in the 6th century, her story was known to the public and she was and is praised as a hero. Her story resonates for many woman around the world today, having to live in male dominated society. In her era, such type of behavior is punishable by death, Thank God times have changed, but I think that makes her story even more unbelievable and powerful to the world today. Her determination, strength, and intelligence to overcome and even thrive in the battles of war is an inspiration to us all today. There were other woman warriors that fought in the battles like Hua Mulan, but were not as successful. I think that Mulan also champions the power of woman no matter what circumstances are faced. Right now, you can see if full circle. A good majority of the movies coming out today are dominated by female protagonists thriving in a male dominated workplace and saving the day (Atomic Blonde, Lara Croft, Red Sparrow, etc.) So thank you Mulan! Its the time for kick-ass girls!
What do you love most about martial arts?
The kinship. Every marital artist knows a martial artist when they see one. An unspoken bond, across countries, languages, and borders.
What are some of your favorite influences? Any favorite films or shows you enjoy watching on your spare time or look forward to? Any favorite fighting games? Music?
My favorite influences are Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, Jet Li. To be honest though, my fave films are fantasy films, musicals like Moulin Rouge, Lala Land. My guilty pleasures were Pretty Little Liars, Suits, and Stranger Things. I enjoy punk rock. My favorite band is the Pretty Reckless.
When you’re not training or filming, how do you relax?
Thanks to the beauty and convenience of the Philippines…the beach! And if not that…absolutely nothing! That can also be magical. [laughs]
Do you have a favorite cheat meal or junk food craving?
Omg… Bacon Kimchi Cheese Bibimbap. Love Cheetos. Is that actually supposed to mean Cheat- Os?
You have other projects coming out as well, including Circle of Bones. Tell us about that film.
I’ll be shooting a new action horror movie in the Bohol, Philippines. I will be playing an FBI Agent who comes to the Philippines to investigate unusual child trafficking reports. My character soon finds herself in the midst of a mysterious demonic cult, fighting to prevent the realization of an ancient prophecy.
Are there any specific areas in your field and in film you would like to see change or improve?
Safety. Especially when movies these days are focused on the realism of the action. I want to see more skill stunt practitioners with the ability to have explosiveness and control. I also want to see proper rigging practices put into the industry here in Philippines and China.
What are some of the most important lessons you currently take with you in life and in film?
Keep learning all the time. Enjoy what you do, if you’re doing extreme things just to keep working on what your working on, you’re probably in the right place. Unfortunately, another thing I take with me is be aware of who you’re working with and what their intentions are.
