Radium Cheung, a native of Hong Kong, is the cinematographer and co-producer of the charming and poignant film Starlet. This dramatic feature film tells the story of an unexpected friendship between a 21-year old adult film actress and an elderly widow.

Cheung attended the Honolulu International Film Festival for the first time this year, but it felt like a reunion. The Vilcek Foundation had previously represented Starlet actor Karren Karagulian, and is familiar with director Sean Baker, as their previous film, Prince of Broadway, was featured in the New American Filmmakers program at HIFF in 2009. Moreover, Shih-Ching Tsou, the executive producer of Starlet, was one of the four finalists of the 2009 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Filmmaking. A big shout out to our old friends!

In this video below, Cheung discussed the influences in his work, and his experiences working on Starlet. He also explains his belief in good karma and why you should never give up on your dream!