Michael Kang is a filmmaker of Korean American descent, currently residing in the vibrant city of New York, following his relocation from an undisclosed location, which was preceded by his attendance at the prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts' Dramatic Writing Program, where he had the esteemed distinction of being a Founder's Day Honors Scholar.
Kang, a native of Providence, Rhode Island, embarked on a journey that would ultimately propel him to the forefront of the film industry, with his formative years serving as the catalyst for his subsequent achievements.
The film "The Motel" garnered widespread critical acclaim, receiving numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Among its notable recognitions was the Humanitas Prize, a prestigious honor bestowed upon outstanding films that explore the human condition. Additionally, the film won the Best Narrative Feature award at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival in 2005, a testament to its artistic excellence and cultural relevance. Furthermore, "The Motel" was awarded the Best Dramatic Narrative Feature Award at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in 2005, solidifying its position as a standout in the world of independent cinema.
Kang's remarkable career is marked by numerous prestigious achievements, including his designation as a fellow at the esteemed Sundance Filmmakers Lab in the year 2002, a distinction that underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Additionally, his exceptional writing skills earned him the 2002 Geri Ashur Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the New York Foundation for the Arts, a testament to his remarkable aptitude for crafting compelling screenplays. Furthermore, his outstanding screenplay earned him the top prize at the 24th Annual Asian American International Film Festival screenplay competition in the year 2001, a notable recognition that solidified his position as a rising star in the film industry.
His short film "A Waiter Tomorrow" made a significant impression in the film industry, receiving not one but two prestigious awards in the year 1998. The FilmCore Post-Production Grant was bestowed upon him, acknowledging his exceptional work in the field of post-production. Furthermore, his film also won the Freaky Film Festival Audience Choice Award in 1999, a testament to its widespread popularity and acclaim.
Moreover, his short film "Japanese Cowboy" also garnered significant recognition, being a co-recipient of the Manhattan Community Arts Fund Grant in 1999. This grant, awarded to only a select few, recognized his outstanding contribution to the arts. Additionally, "Japanese Cowboy" also won the Special Jury Prize at Film Fest New Haven in the year 2000, a prestigious award that acknowledged his exceptional filmmaking skills.
Kang, a highly skilled and accomplished professional in the film industry, has had the privilege of working as a second unit director under the guidance of the renowned director Wayne Wang on the heartwarming and critically acclaimed film "Because of Winn-Dixie", released in the year 2005.
This remarkable opportunity not only allowed Kang to hone his skills and expertise as a second unit director but also presented him with a unique and thrilling experience, as he was tasked with directing a live bear.
