MONIQUE
LAI - Multi-racial Jamaican Chinese Director of "Jamaica Farewell"
US
ASIANS: For those who don’t know much
of your artistic/entertainment credits - could you share some of your
many credits, training, and background.
MONIQUE
LAI: I
grew up reading many fiction stories, particularly ‘Nancy
Drew’ books, which we were fortunate to have in our very
small prep. school library in Montego Bay. By reading, this sparked
my imagination and I became more of a visual artist. I’ve always
felt that vision in particular cannot be taught. It isn’t a technical
craft but more of a personal perspective, statement, and style that
is very individual. I have been very lucky that writers/producers have
asked me to direct their work or would love to collaborate with me.
I can only attribute that to the meetings, and perhaps they feel that
I would bring something unique to their project because of my sense
of style, wit, and voice.
US
ASIANS: What do you attribute to your passions behind
being involved with the entertainment industry and being a director?
MONIQUE LAI:
The main reason
behind my being a director is to give hope and inspire. I meet many
people who have no fire or yearning for life, and I feel that is heartbreaking.
I feel that as a director, this medium gives us a broad advantage of
reaching people all over the world with stories that not only entertain,
and reveal our truths, but also lifts people’s spirits. Because
that difference can change a person’s path, it makes this difficult
journey worth it.
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US
ASIANS:
Could you share what is the difference between being a Jamaican
Chinese and a Chinese Jamaican – along with how you describe
yourself.
MONIQUE LAI:
Jamaican Chinese is a Jamaican–‘born’ Chinese.
That is how I introduce and describe myself. We have a lot of
Chinese who leave the mainland for Jamaica and have adopted the
culture and in that sense they feel every bit a Jamaican. They
would be described as Chinese Jamaican.
US
ASIANS: How would you describe
the relationships and history between people of Jamaican and Chinese
heritage in Jamaica?
MONIQUE LAI:
The Chinese
were initially brought to work in Jamaica as slaves. The Chinese
got along so well with the Jamaicans that they stayed and settled.
Over the years, the Chinese from Canton and ‘hak-ka’
descent came to Jamaica with the prospect of opening businesses.
To this day, there are still many who leave the mainland to work
and raise their family in Jamaica. |
US ASIANS: Does the ability of speaking Jamaican, Chinese
(Cantonese) and English (and any other languages that you
are able to speak) played a part in the ability to understand and
go between various cultures?
MONIQUE LAI:
That is a great
question. I’m not sure if it has to do with me speaking different
languages but more of feeling comfortable in different environments
all over the world and with various cultures within a society. Jamaica
is a great training ground. Our motto is ‘out of many, one
people’. And so we live that. I grew up living with Jamaicans
of various backgrounds and nationalities, and because of that I am able
to mingle with various cultures and have a broad range of friends.
US
ASIANS: What are the many joys and pain of someone with
your background?
MONIQUE LAI:
I feel lucky that
I able to ‘hang out’ with various groups and cultures.
I’m not sure if it is because of my background but more of being
comfortable within my own skin. I think the only pain that I have felt
would be meeting other people who are uncomfortable within their own
skin. What I love about directing and the arts is that it surpasses
international borders. It’s all about the story.
US
ASIANS: What brought you from Montego Bay, Jamaica to
Florida International University with a double major in Marketing and
International Business?
MONIQUE LAI:
After graduating
from Miami Palmetto Senior High, I decided to attend FIU. I felt that
it would be a great learning experience not only as far as studies,
but also to meet more people of different backgrounds. I chose my majors
knowing that my goal would be in Film. International business and marketing
was very helpful to me for knowing how to market a picture (to investors)
and how to sell (international distribution).
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US
ASIANS:
Could you provide a brief background on
your parents and what invaluable lessons did they teach you to
be a successful artist and person?
MONIQUE
LAI:
My parents are amazing, I’m so very lucky! The lessons they
taught me were to really appreciate people, challenging situations,
and obstacles. As a person, I don’t judge nor do I take
anything for granted. I’ve lived my formative years in Montego
Bay, and by doing so, my dad instilled in us a sort of inner strength
and toughness. I am from a third world environment and I love
that part about me, because I can live anywhere. My family is
more business-orien |
