Embracing Unexpected Opportunities: Behind the Scenes of Directing the Inaugural Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival with Charles Tang

About Charles Tang (Class of 2015, Time at AISG: 2005 -2015)?

In this edition of "Rams in the Field," we are excited to feature Charles Tang, an esteemed alumnus of AISG from the Class of 2015. He spent his high school years at AISG from 2005 to 2015, and it was a formative experience that shaped his international perspective. Currently based in Vancouver, he works as an event director. His professional journey has taken him through various roles in media production, event management, and project coordination. Recently, Charles achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by serving as the Production Director for the inaugural Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival. Over five whirlwind months, he orchestrated an event that not only showcased the talent of Bhutanese filmmakers but also celebrated the vibrant culture of Bhutan.?

With an impressive background in media production and event management, Charles embodies the spirit of connection and creativity. Join AISG Director Kevin Baker as he interviews Charles about his inspiring journey, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons learned while bringing the festival to life. Charles's path from AISG to this prestigious role underscores the profound impact of cultural adaptability and a global mindset—skills he developed during his time at AISG. Under the guidance of Her Royal Majesty The Queen Mother, Charles embraced the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people, reflecting his dedication and passion for bridging cultures through film.?

Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and your journey since graduating from AISG in 2015??

I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Guangzhou when I was 8 years old. I then joined AISG halfway through 2nd grade in 2005 and graduated with the Class of 2015. ?My time at AISG was formative. While I wasn't the best student academically, the school fostered a vibrant, diverse environment where I interacted with people from countless backgrounds and cultures. This experience instilled in me a cross-cultural competency and adaptability that's proven invaluable in my career, especially in navigating international projects and understanding diverse working styles. The friendships I made and the experiences I had, including involvement in various extracurricular activities like sports and performing arts, significantly contributed to my personal and professional development.?

After graduating from Suffolk University in Boston, I initially struggled to find a clear career path. I had an economics degree but knew it wasn't the right fit. My involvement in various performing arts groups during university inadvertently honed my production skills – managing budgets, coordinating schedules, and working with diverse teams. This led me to roles in project management in the film industry (Deluxe in Sydney) and eventually to event production. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift, and after a brief stint in a non-profit, I found myself in Sydney, where I worked on the Disney+ team. While a valuable experience, it lacked the cultural diversity and creative chaos I craved. This led me to actively seek a career in event production, which culminated in my current role. The Walkley Foundation role was pivotal. It was a small team, demanding versatility and a broad skill set. I was involved in everything from vendor management and location scouting to coordinating judging panels composed of Australia's top journalists. This experience honed my ability to navigate complex relationships, understand diverse perspectives, and thrive in a high-pressure environment – all crucial skills for directing a film festival.?

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Can you tell us more about how you ended up becoming the Production Director for the Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival in 2024??

Well, it's quite a serendipitous story, actually. I was traveling with my family in Bhutan in late 2023, and while in the elevator of our hotel, I struck up a conversation with an American woman who mentioned she was there to produce a film festival. She mentioned they were really struggling to find an events professional who understood both Western event production and Asian cultural nuances. Seeing as that was essentially my background, I expressed my interest, and after a lengthy hiring process that involved getting approval from the Bhutanese royal family, I ended up being offered the role of Production Director for the first-ever Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival.?

What was it like leading such a major event in Bhutan??

It was both exhilarating and incredibly challenging. As the Production Director, I had a huge amount of responsibility - from coordinating logistics, to managing a small local team, to interfacing with the royal family and high-profile guests. The scale and scope of the event was much larger than anything I had done before.?

But what made it so rewarding was the chance to immerse myself in the Bhutanese culture and local community. I made a conscious effort to truly understand the country, its people, and its traditions. Things like dressing in the national dress, exploring the local markets, and playing pickup soccer games allowed me to connect with the Bhutanese in a genuine way.?

The warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people was truly remarkable. I was honored to be welcomed so openly as a foreigner, and I think that helped me deliver an event that celebrated Bhutan's unique identity on the global stage.??

What are some of the key skills and competencies that you feel really helped you succeed in this role??

I would say a big part of it was the cultural fluency and adaptability that I developed growing up as an international student at AISG. Being constantly exposed to different backgrounds, customs, and communication styles prepared me to navigate the nuances of Bhutanese culture.?

I also think my experience as an event producer, even from my time in university, gave me a strong foundation to build upon. Things like project management, vendor coordination, and creative problem-solving were critical. But beyond the technical skills, it was really about having an open mindset, a willingness to learn, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.?

As you look ahead, what do you see as some of the key trends and opportunities in the events industry??

One major trend I'm observing is the shift away from pure "consumerism" towards more experiential forms of luxury and status. People aren't as interested in just showing off material goods anymore - they want to showcase unique, immersive experiences that they can share with others. I think events will continue to play a huge role in that, as companies and organizations look to create memorable moments and build community, whether it's through large-scale conferences, intimate activations, or everything in between. The demand for skilled event professionals who can bring these visions to life is only going to grow. Additionally, I see a lot of potential in the corporate events space, as more and more companies recognize the value of bringing dispersed teams and remote workers together through thoughtfully designed experiential programs. The events industry will need to evolve to meet those changing needs.?

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Do you have any advice for current AISG students who might be interested in pursuing a career in the events industry??

A few key things I would suggest:?

• Focus on building a diverse skillset and being an adaptable problem-solver. Events require wearing many hats, so the more tools you have in your toolkit, the better.?

• Prioritize networking and making connections, both professionally and socially. Events are all about building relationships, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there.?

• Take care of your physical and mental well-being. The events industry can be demanding, so make sure you have healthy habits and coping mechanisms in place.?

• And most importantly, don't be afraid to take risks and explore unconventional paths. My journey has certainly had its twists and turns, but I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had for anything.?

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What is the best way for?Rams to engage with you (i.e., LinkedIn, IG, etc)???

linkedin.com/in/charles7tang?

Charles Tang's journey from AISG to becoming the Production Director of the inaugural Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival exemplifies the power of cultural adaptability and a global mindset. His experiences highlight the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and the value of building connections in the events industry. Charles’s insights into the evolving landscape of event production and his emphasis on experiential engagement offer valuable guidance for aspiring professionals. As he continues to bridge cultures through film and events, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the unexpected opportunities that can arise when one is open to new experiences and challenges.?