Renegades | Samantha Quan on Seeing Those Unseen

Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s editorial series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way.

This week features Samantha Quan, actress and Academy Award-nominated producer of Anora, a whirlwind dramedy that follows a young sex worker as she is swept into a Cinderella-like fairytale that quickly devolves into chaos. Samantha experimented with different roles in the entertainment industry before becoming the producing partner for director Sean Baker on renowned projects including The Florida Project and Red Rocket; the duo have found a compelling niche unearthing narratives from corners of the country otherwise unexplored, and casting local non-actors to add unique authenticity to the worlds they build for their audiences.

Samantha talks to us about the parallels between making independent films and running a restaurant, the social and economic rankings that trap marginalized communities including sex workers like Ani in Anora, and her relentless pursuit of her own dreams even when the going got tough. See Anora in theatres today!

We ask all our Renegades: What did you want to be when you were growing up and how does that compare to where you are now?

When I was really little, I wanted to have a Chinese restaurant like my dad. I would say what I do now is similar in a certain way. Running a restaurant and making indie films are both jobs that pretty much take over your life because they are so challenging. They are microcosms where one needs to deal with many different people, multi-task and problem-solve for issues that are right in front of you or may come in the future. I think both are creative endeavors that you’re proud you got through at the end of each day, and the outcome is you have a beautiful (hopefully) dish that satisfies someone’s hunger.

Looking back at your early career, can you share a defining moment that confirmed your passion for working in the entertainment industry? What about that experience has stuck with you over the years?

I don’t think that there was one defining moment for me. I have had different jobs in the industry—as an actor, as a crew member, as a producer and I have had wonderful moments in each. For me, I love being part of the process of making stories come alive. Working with other filmmakers, actors, and talented craftspeople over the years has been so inspiring and I have learned so much from every individual and experience (whether good or bad). I just want to keep moving, keep learning, and keep making things to the best of my ability.

Since Anora’s premiere and Palme d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival, it’s gone on to receive critical and fan acclaim alike. What about the film do you think resonates and appeals to a mass audience?

I think that Anora has themes and ideas that are universal: The idea of power and money, how we treat people according to social and economic ranking, and the fallacy of the American dream. I would also say that we all have a desire for wish fulfillment … who doesn’t want to believe that a girl like Ani could have all her dreams come true? If it could happen for her … hope is so important for humans to keep going.

As a producer, you’re responsible for many elements behind the scenes of a film. Describe what a day in the life was like for you on the set of Anora. What can you share about the role you played in casting?

Each day on the set of Anora was an adventure and there were a lot of moving parts. We had the most fantastic crew that was willing to roll with the punches with us. Sometimes things would go as scheduled, sometimes not, but that’s the job … to figure out the best way to make it through that day, to get what we needed in the end.

I cast with Sean, and our casting hats are always on whether we are shooting a film or not. For instance, Mikey Madison’s performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Yura Borisov’s performance in Compartment No. 6 put those two actors on the list of people we wanted to work with at some point. Sometimes we street-cast, sometimes we see someone on social media that piques interest, and then when the right project comes along, we remember them. There is also the importance of local casting for authenticity in Sean’s films. We spend a lot of time in the places we shoot in and sometimes we have to scour and audition people we find and sometimes we are at a location and there’s an amazing face and personality, like Billy in the candy shop. We met him and said, “Do you want to be in the movie”? He said yes and in that moment that character was created and he was so wonderful.

As an Asian woman, did you face any unique challenges in highlighting untold stories of poverty in America? Do you feel that your identity plays a significant role in what inspires you to tell these kinds of stories?

Being an Asian-Canadian woman in America has had its own challenges, let alone telling stories that people don’t normally focus on. Sometimes, it can be a little strange in the beginning when we are exploring places where no one else looks like me, but I get used to it and that’s changing.

Growing up, doing what I’m doing now was a dream that I didn’t ever think of dreaming! My family was traditional and the expectations around me were to go to college and get a good and stable job in a realm like law, medicine, or education. I was a bit of a black sheep. I always felt out of place. If I think about it, I guess that is why I am so interested in telling stories that aren’t told as much. Maybe it’s part of an urge to see those who are unseen or feel unseen and depict it.

You received the Producer Award at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of AAPI Cinema and Television this past year. What does this recognition mean to you both personally and professionally?

It’s so funny, being recognized for things isn’t something I had ever thought about until I had to write a speech and that made me think a lot about everything. I already feel so lucky to do what I love to do, and for me, that was the prize. But when I really thought about it, it meant so much to me because I didn’t see people like me very much in the entertainment industry when I was growing up and I decided to do it anyway. There were many times I felt alone and didn’t know if I was good enough or strong enough to believe I could keep going … but somehow I managed to keep going. I would call my mom when I would get down and she would say “Do you still love it?” and I would say “Yes” and she would answer “Then keep going”. Even if I give one young person the courage to follow their dreams, it’s everything.

What can audiences look forward to from you next? Is there an upcoming project you’re particularly excited to share or hope to explore?

It hasn’t been decided yet, but I’m excited to start a new adventure! No matter what, I know I’ll meet interesting people and learn more about the world— I feel so fortunate.

Lightning Round

Favorite Book: So many! In no particular order some faves are: Geek Love by Katherine Dunn, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Go-To Theater Snack: Popcorn, gummy bears and a diet cherry coke

Dream Collaborator: Sean Baker :D

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Take the things that are useful, and tell the rest to eff-off.

Favorite Awards Season Moment: Winning the Palm d’Or. Still can’t believe it!