SDAFF: Actor/Filmmaker Ivan Leung and his film Extremely Unique Dynamic

By Cesar A Reyes

Since 2000, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) has been one of the premier platforms for Asian American cinema and has grown into the largest showcase of Asian and Pacific Islander cinema in the western United States. The festival is born out of the love for independent film and the desire to showcase the diverse Pan Asian experience through film and other arts. The festival includes a lineup of LGBTQ+ theme films.

One such films is the hilarious bromantic comedy, Extremely Unique Dynamic that takes you on a marijuana induced trip of two friends making a film, and we had the privilege to talk to actor/filmmaker, San Diego born Ivan Leung.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
Hey guys! My name is Ivan Leung. I’m an actor-filmmaker born in San Diego, California. I’ve lived in San Diego for most of my life, so it’s really cool to be speaking with you all today. Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I just followed what I enjoyed. I basically lived at this amazing dance studio called CultureShock, where I made most of my friends after high school. Because of that, I ended up going to Los Angeles to take more dance classes. Along the way, someone casually said, “Hey, you should try acting,” and for some reason, I ran with that 1000% and never looked back. And I guess here I am today!

Can you give our audience a brief description of Extremely Unique Dynamic?
It’s a meta-queer-Asian-stoner-coming-of-age-bromantic comedy about two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie about two guys…ugh, wait—here’s the logline instead! “In this (likely) first-ever and (possibly) award-winning Meta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-Of-Age-Bromantic Dramedy, bottled-up secrets arise as two best friends decide to make a movie… about two guys making a movie… about two guys making a movie.”

How did the idea for the film come about?
Here’s a small tangent. I’ve been best friends with my filmmaking/producing/writing/acting partner, the amazing Harrison Xu. Honestly, he’s one of the most talented, smartest, and genuinely good people I know. He was in my first acting class (where I got kicked out after two weeks because the class was way too advanced for a novice like me). He was about to move from LA to Vancouver, where he’s originally from, and we wanted to create a time capsule of our friendship. So, while we were stoned on the floor eating Thai food, we said, “Hey, what if we made a movie?” “No, that’s crazy…” “But what if…” “No, do you know how much work that is?” “I’d do it… do you have the balls to do it?” “Yeah… but do you?” We kept egging each other on, and since we’re both stubborn idiots who can’t back down, we decided to go full throttle and make this movie together. 

Can you talk about the importance of film festivals like the SDAFF?
Film festivals are super important because they give independent filmmakers a chance to shine. They provide a platform for our work to be seen by audiences, investors, and industry who might not otherwise have access to our stories. At festivals like SDAFF, it’s all about connecting with other creators who share similar passions and struggles. It’s such a unique environment where we can network and collaborate, and it’s also a blast to enjoy and celebrate other filmmakers’ work. Plus, these festivals spotlight diverse voices and stories that often get overlooked. For many of us, having our films screened at a festival is a huge validation of all the hard work we put in and there are so many gems you can only see at film festivals. It’s a lot of fun.

What is the importance of LGBTQ+ themed films being part of POC film festivals?
It’s all about representation. As an Asian American actor who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, there aren’t many role models for us. Growing up, we rarely had anyone who looked like us or shared similar experiences. I dealt with a lot of dysmorphia and had to work through that later in life. “Why do I look like this?” “Why do I feel these things?” If an audience member can see themselves on screen, I truly believe it helps them feel a little less alone.

Why is it important for audiences to support independent films?
Again, it all comes back to representation. Seeing a film where you can recognize yourself or relate to the experiences portrayed is crucial. It opens your eyes to different perspectives you may not have considered before. Watching an Asian character on screen who isn’t just spouting information but sharing deep, lived experiences is vital.

What new projects are you working on?
I have a horror movie produced by 50 Cent called Skill House that’s coming out soon, and I’m also filming another horror movie called Near Death, directed by Shaina Aidan, this November.