Cambodia's film industry is gaining recognition with the recent success of homegrown films such as "White Building" (2021) and "Return to Seoul" (2022), which was Cambodia's entry for Best International Film in the 95th Academy Awards. Contributions from Cambodian diaspora communities have also greatly aided in the production of exceptional films on a global scale. Despite these successes, little is known about creative communities in Hollywood and beyond who originate from Cambodia. Previously, Team Raintree featured a blog (here) that explored how designers from Cambodia brought contemporary fashion to the world, from Paris to Hollywood.

This time, ahead of the 12th edition of the Cambodia International Film Festival, we had the opportunity to sit down with D.Y. Sao, a Khmer-American martial arts choreographer who coached A-list Hollywood actors for their roles in award-winning blockbusters such as "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once." This momentum gives us hope for an even greater representation of Cambodia’s talent on the global stage.

During the interview, D.Y. Sao shared his personal experiences in Hollywood, as well as his aspirations for the Cambodian film industry. Committed to making Cambodia a top destination for action and martial arts movies, D.Y. Sao plans to return home – for the first time in over 40 years – to begin filming a project he has been working on for a decade. His passion and love for martial arts is truly inspiring, and his dedication to promoting the film industry at home highlights the potential and talent that exists in Cambodia. We’re excited to see what's to come, particularly as the Cambodian film industry continues to form its own distinctive voice.

Raintree: Congrats on your success in Hollywood. Could you share with us how you got into martial arts?

D.Y. Sao: Life as an immigrant was tough. Our parents enforced strict cultural values which made it hard for us to adapt to our new environment. I wasn't allowed to speak English at home and didn't start speaking it until the age of nine, which impacted my language ability and social circle. However, watching Indiana Jones and Kung Fu movies every day with other refugee kids was a gift because it sparked my passion for martial arts.

I started by imitating Bruce Lee and Donnie Yen in my parents' living room. As a young adult, I trained in Chinese Kung Fu, American Kickboxing, and Khmer Bokator. My career as a stuntman and martial arts coach in Hollywood took off after representing the United States at the World Games Macau in 2003, meeting Jet Li and Jackie Chan, and becoming a disciple of the world-famous Shaolin Temple. My journey was not easy, but it has been a fulfilling one.

Raintree: You mentioned that martial arts was your language for expression and your saviour. Could you elaborate on that?

D.Y. Sao: I truly believe that martial arts training has saved my life and continues to do so by giving me a positive outlet for my energy. While I appreciate my parents' love and our close family relationships, self-expression was not highly valued in Cambodian culture, and it was not encouraged in my upbringing. I have always had a chaotic, artistic energy, which led to many fights in my youth since I lacked an outlet. Martial arts have taught me how to control my passion and energy without causing destruction. It's like cooking with fire, but without burning down the house. This is why I value martial arts as a unifier, teaching accountability for one's actions, compassion towards others, and the rewards of hard work. These benefits are clear and not just conjecture.

Raintree: Can you explain the difference between martial arts and performance martial arts?

D.Y. Sao: Performance martial arts require a unique understanding that not everyone possesses. It's easier to name 20 great actors than to name 20 great martial artists who became action heroes on screen. This is because excelling at both disciplines is nearly impossible. Tony Jaa, a global star who grew up in a small village, is an exception. His inspiring story is not about race, but about talent and hard work. I look up to him and am honoured to be mentioned in the same sentence as him, but I can't take his place because we’re very different.

Raintree: How did you get involved in the project "Everything Everywhere All At Once"?

D.Y. Sao: Two of my closest friends, Andy Le and Brian Le, co-owners of the "MartialClub" YouTube channel, are my Kung Fu brothers. As Andy sought to secure competent choreographers and a martial arts coach for the film, he enlisted my services given my track record in delivering results. We spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas, and the fight scenes were originally ten times longer. I was excited to be involved in the project. For this movie, they wanted to incorporate a bit of Hong Kong style with some flare. Knowing the choreography of the Iron Monkey (1993), I was able to contribute to this.

Raintree: I know you're a huge fan of Ke Huy Quan from Indiana Jones and Michelle Yeoh from many Asian franchises. What was it like coaching your idols?

D.Y. Sao: It was surreal. I always felt nervous talking to Michelle, but not with Ke Quan. I tend to say the most awkward things to Michelle, and I'm not sure what she thinks of that [laughing]. I learned that Ke Quan was also part of the stunt community. Although I was initially surprised, it made sense because he picked up everything quickly.

Raintree: What’s your favourite part of the film, and what made that part stand out to you?

D.Y. Sao: There is a particular scene where Ke Quan says, "In another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you." It always makes me emotional, and I used to look away from the screen to avoid crying in front of others [laughing].

The whole project was an emotional journey for many of us. The last day of filming was the day before Hollywood shut down due to Covid. The intention was to show it in theatres, but two years have passed and we actually forgot about it. When we finally saw it on the big screen, we gained a fresh perspective, and the experience of witnessing history in the making was phenomenal.

Raintree: You’ve worked on many award-winning blockbusters in Hollywood. Who are your favourite directors to work with?

D.Y. Sao: Without a doubt, the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), directors of "Everything Everywhere All At Once," are the best directors I've ever worked with. They are receptive to suggestions and take the time to consider them instead of immediately rejecting them. They have a deep understanding of the script, yet they don't hesitate to say, "Let us think about it," instead of immediately declining. They treat everyone equally and are both introverted geniuses. Their confidence in taking on such a wild project is admirable.

Raintree: What are you working on currently? If you could collaborate with anyone in Cambodia, who would you collaborate with and why?

D.Y. Sao: I can’t say too much about it, but I’m working on a film that has been a 10-year process. I plan to shoot it in Cambodia at the end of this year. In a country where there isn't much local talent or established industries, things need to be in order. Our goal is to make Cambodia the top destination for action and martial arts films. I believe that Asians can bring more value by working together, and I want to represent Cambodia.

When it comes to Bokator, there are people in Cambodia who are better than me but might not have the privilege of experiences with the industry. I just happen to know a lot about films, the industry, performance, the global audience, and what works. I stand for representation, unity, and collaboration, and I would love to work with Pich Choronai, Tharoth Sam, and Phang Dara within the martial arts community. Although I don't know many people in the industry back home, my Khmer American director friend does. I'm excited to connect with anyone who shares the same passion.

Photo courtesy of Tharoth Sam and Pich Choronai

Raintree: As someone who's accomplished so much, I'm sure you have some great tips for aspiring martial artists and those looking to break into the film industry. What advice would you give?

D.Y. Sao: To excel as a martial artist, focus on becoming highly proficient in your field instead of projecting an image of expertise. Develop a genuine love and passion for the art form to stand out, rather than trying to appear skilled during auditions. For example, when my students ask me how they can appear skilled in Chinese Southern Fist during auditions, I tell them to fall in love with the technique and become proficient in it instead.

To enter the film industry, find your tribe - people who compliment your skills and can help take the film from beginning to end. Network with like-minded individuals, feed off each other's motivation. Even with short films, it might take years to make. So, study what the experts are doing. There are no shortcuts; you just have to put in the time and practice.

Raintree: Lastly, is there anything else you'd like the world to know about Cambodia?

D.Y. Sao: Cambodia is a country brimming with excitement and enthusiasm. Every moment, no matter how small, is worth celebrating, even in defeat. At the end of the day, it's not just about winning, but about trying and taking part in something you love. This is what makes Cambodia such a beautiful place—the vibrant spirit of its people is simply infectious. I am truly grateful to have experienced it firsthand.

Recent momentum in the creative industry highlights the importance of pushing for even more representation on the global stage, and the responsibility it entails. Due to the scarcity of films from Cambodia, we cannot afford to fail—we must succeed. I'm grateful to see many directors and producers pushing things forward at home, and I look forward to being a part of this vibrant community.

D.Y. Sao's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. With his talent and passion, we eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the film industry, including his ultimate goal of making Cambodia a leading destination for action and martial arts films one step closer to reality. We also hope that his story inspires more Cambodians to pursue their dreams and showcase their unique talents on a global stage.

Be sure to check out the Cambodia International Film Festival coming up from 30thMay to 4th June 2023, and keep an eye out for D.Y. Sao's upcoming project! In the meantime, follow us @raintreecambodia to stay updated on all things Cambodian arts and culture.