Community Film Screening, Book Reading, Discussion with Jean-Baptiste Phou

Presenting a special community screening and artist presentation at Studious Coworking of recent works by Jean-Baptiste Phou, a writer and multidisciplinary artist born in Paris to Chinese-Cambodian parents.

This event will feature a combined presentation of two projects:

• My Mother’s Tongue, a short film which tells the story of a mother and son who don’t share a language. They have difficulties communicating, until something unlocks when she suddenly falls very ill. The emotional journey unfolds through a series of vignettes that draw the viewer deeper into the inner world of a son seeking understanding and to be understood.
• Coming Out of My Skin, a compelling memoir that focuses on the intersectionality of race and sexuality experienced by a gay Asian man living in a white world. It deftly tackles this challenge and aspires for a reconciliation that can empower people of sexual and racial minorities to joyfully inhabit their bodies.

What to Expect:

• Welcome + Artist Introduction
• Reading from Coming Out of My Skin
• Screening of My Mother’s Tongue (33min)
• Conversation/Q&A with Jean-Baptiste Phou & Kimberly Do

Doors open at 4:30PM. Light refreshments will be provided. Books will be available for purchase thanks to Bel Canto Books. Seating is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Free to RSVP, but we welcome donations of any size to help our little team of volunteers organize events like this for the community.

Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check back closer to the date for any updates.

About the Artist: Jean-Baptiste-Phou
Jean-Baptiste Phou’s works explore issues of identity, the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge genocide and minority experiences. He wrote the play ‘Cambodia, Here I Am!’ (2011) and directed the short film ‘My Mother’s Tongue’ (2022) that received the Public’s Choice award at the 29th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema. He is also the author of ‘Coming Out of My Skin’ (Seagull Books, 2023) and ‘80 mots du Cambodge’ (L’Asiathèque, 2024).

About the Moderator: Kimberly Do
Digital creative Kimberly Do fuses social media and artistry to craft vibrant, inclusive spaces both online and offline. She weaves her Vietnamese roots and Queer identity into every project, celebrating the diversity and richness of both worlds. Kimberly finds purpose in shared experiences and cherishes connections that blossom into collective strength. Through her writing, photography, and collaborative projects, she aims to capture life’s fleeting moments as she reflects deeply on the world around her, seeking to build bridges across QTBIPOC communities.

About the Space: Studious LA
Studious Coworking Space is a shared community & coworking space in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Its mission is to provide an inclusive space for members to work, create, and collaborate. Studious is essentially a cross between your home and a coffee shop – with less distractions, no blenders, more space, and free coffee & tea. Shared spaces often lead to increased collaboration, idea sharing and a supportive atmosphere that can boost creativity and productivity. Book a visit today!