My friends and family will tell you I have no shortage of passion projects, which may explain why I rarely get 40 winks. More like 10, if I’m lucky.

I have had many adventures as a movie fan and maker. My short films have screened for audiences around the world. My personal favorite, “Holy Tortilla,” was fortunate enough to receive its national broadcast premiere on the PBS “Independent Lens” series. It was included in festivals from Brazil to Germany and received a number of awards, both in the form of grants for the film’s production, and in juried festival competitions. I have written several award-winning screenplays, and look forward to keeping you updated on their production right here.

SHORT FILMS

HOLY TORTILLA

Hairdresser Margarita (Adelina Anthony) believes she has witnessed a miracle on her gas-top stove when she sees the face of Jesus in a tortilla she burns.

A colorful cast of characters stars in this heartwarming comedy served with a dash of magic realism. Selected for a national broadcast on PBS, “Holy Tortilla” has screened in over 40 international film festivals and won 13 grant and festival awards.

The film is available for viewing here (link to Laurenivychiong.com)

SIREN’S SONG

After losing his job, a young man meets an elusive muse, who leads him on a mystical journey through the labyrinth of his imagination. As they explore strange and beautiful new surroundings, she helps him find catharsis, renewal, and ultimately, love. Balinese chant meets Bollywood dancing in this colorful experimental short. Premiered at the “Texas Screen Gems” section of the Urban Arts Festival in Dallas.

“Siren’s Song” stars film and TV actor Paul Howard and was filmed in Culver City, California, at the Museum of Jurassic Technology.

TESTAMENT

“Testament” is an exceptionally powerful story, fearlessly plunging into the depths of family dysfunction, using religion as a lens with which to view it. In this poignant, occasionally funny, and ultimately heartbreaking coming-of-age drama, eleven-year-old Gwenneth seeks her mother’s attention and acceptance. Yet her mother’s personal struggles and devotion to skewed religious beliefs prevent her from seeing how much her daughter needs her. Both mother and daughter dream of escape, but ultimately they must face their reality and find a way to connect.

“Testament” received the Massachusetts Media Fellowship and was selected to screen at a number of international festivals, including the Toronto Female Eye Film Festival and the Los Angeles Arpa International Film Festival.

SCREENPLAYS

“RHINESTONE RHAPSODY”

Female Elvis impersonator Elvira longs to pay the King of Rock and Roll the ultimate tribute by winning the million-dollar prize in the International Elvis Extravaganza Contest. But will she be able to overcome her paralyzing stage fright, fierce opposition from the male impersonator fraternity, and outrage from the contest’s main sponsor Naomi Aorta in order to achieve impersonator superstardom?

A rock and roll comedy that sends the empowering message that chasing dreams unlocks the greatness in all of us, and that women really can do anything we put our minds too. We are strong, we are invincible, we are Elvis!

The screenplay received recognition in the Ultimate Filmmakers’ competition.

MYSTERY CHILDREN’S SCREENPLAY

For now, I am keeping my first feature-length children’s animated screenplay under wraps, but please check back here for updates. I hope to share the story with you soon. Broad hint: The star lives at your local zoo, and s/he can talk! And no, I’m not writing “Madagascar 4,” though I’m happy to discuss the possibility.

Your Hints: 

“VAN GOGH/ GAUGUIN”

Lauren’s dramatic musical screenplay “Van Gogh/Gauguin” is an adaptation of Johnny Simons’ and Douglas Balentine’s play, which was first performed at the Hip Pocket Theater in North Texas.

“Van Gogh/Gauguin” charts artists Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin’s turbulent friendship and Vincent’s discovery of his seminal style. The script has received top recognitions in several national contests.