August 28, 2005: Third World Newsreel Production Workshop wrap photo with Herman Lew, one of the most influential & progressive film instructors in my filmmaking journey.
having gone through film school and worked on film sets, it’s so rare to find not just a poc filmmaker, but an asian american filmmaker that is progressive, dedicated, talented, supportive, and as easy going as herman. he was a constant source of thoughtful encouragement, delivered with that perpetual smile, and believed in so many of us when we (or rather, i) didn’t have a clue.
when i wrote my first email to you after our final workshop party to express gratitude and announce that i was ready to embark on this new filmmaking path, you humbly took no credit, wished me luck, and kept it real by warning me, ‘filmmaking is like a bad lover you keep coming back to.’ that dose of wisdom (and as i’ve realized, an honest reflection of the brutal reality of filmmaking) has stuck with me ever since. i catch myself repeating that to other filmmaker friends, smiling (in that i-wonder-if-you're-about-to-laugh-at-me-or-with-me sort of grin, right as you were about to speak or give feedback). i will be forever grateful that you were one of my first film mentors; forever grateful for your guidance, encouragement, chilled out, laid back style, and for inspiring countless workshop participants to make their first films. you’ve touched so many lives as an important behind-the-scenes anchor and a blessing for so many emerging filmmakers in nyc over the past 25 years. you will be deeply and sorely missed by so so so many.
dc’s parents, who were so comforted and reassured by your presence, addressed you as my 師父. your 徒弟 isn’t something i can claim, since i unfortunately never had a chance to learn from your DP skills. the truth is, you really were a kind-hearted 師父 to so many. on our recent collaboration, i appreciated not only your calming and mentoring presence during some challenging interviews, but just as important, it was your belief that it’s never about the tools you use, but the heart and soul of a story, about telling stories that no one else could tell, and its purpose… it’s not about the product, but the process, ...important reminders that will always be remembered. i wish i could have completed this film in time for you to watch and comment on before you left us so suddenly. you were one of the first people i would have wanted to hear from.
my heart goes out to his family, wife, and children, but also, the TWN family, as well as the CCNY film program. he was such a huge presence in so many peoples’ lives. it will surely take awhile before these spaces will regain some sense of normalcy. sending out massive warm waves of strength and love to the universe.
"Hi Mansee,
I truly appreciate your kind words, but I really feel that I’m just a bystander in the workshop. Like I’ve always said, the workshop is driven by the people in it and you surely have been a wonderful contributor to it. I wish you the best of luck with your new love in documentary but just remember, filmmaking is like a bad lover you keep coming back to. All kidding aside, just keep things in perspective, keep moving forward, and keep the desire to make progressive change in our world.
Peace,
Herman”
