THE SMITH SOCIETY is a podcast where stories and storytelling unite. Through intimate interviews and insightful discussions, we bring you the voices behind the stories you love. We feature world-renowned actors, writers, directors and more -- discussing a variety of topics related to the film and television industry. We uncover the secrets of their craft and celebrate the diverse tales that shape our world.
In this episode of The Smith Society we have the incredible opportunity to chat with the extraordinary director (and dear friend), Alice Gu and learn more about The Donut King.
Alice Gu is an award-winning director and Director of Photography. A Los Angeles native, Alice began her career as a director of photography, working with world-renowned directors like Werner Herzog and Stacy Peralta.
In 2017, Alice garnered attention for her work behind the lens of “Take Every Wave: the Life of Laird Hamilton,” a documentary directed by the Academy Award nominated Rory Kennedy.
“The Donut King” is Alice’s feature directorial debut and was slated to premiere at the 2020 SXSW film festival. Despite the festival’s cancellation, the film won the Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling, and went on to win the One in a Million Award at the 2020 Sun Valley Film Festival. “The Donut King” is about the rise and fall of a Cambodian refugee turned donut tycoon. Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It's the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975, and building an unlikely multi-million-dollar empire baking America's favorite pastry: the donut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees, and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the donut business.
“The Donut King” is executive produced by Academy Award winners Ridley Scott and Freida Lee Mock.
Alice Gu on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gubird
“The Donut King” Trailer: https://youtu.be/aLKugGKgJsQ
“The Donut King” official website: www.donutkingmovie.com
“The Donut King” Spotify playlist: https://bit.ly/the-donut-king-playlist
The Smith Society Podcast: This is the Smith Society, a podcast about storytellers and storytelling.
Host: Duane Fernandez
instagram.com/duane.h.fernandez/
The Smith Society theme song by: Steady Cadence
Steady Cadence is a brilliant father daughter duo out of North Carolina. There is an episode later this season about the theme song, their unique sound which blends together analog and digital, their inspiration, creative approach and how Cadence, who is currently in middle school, has so much soul.
The Smith Society logo: Designer, Chris Scott
Sound Mixer: Paul Stula
Edited by: Marshall Baker
Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.
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