Joyce Keokham, A Storyteller Based on Earth

Joyce Keokham

In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the queer media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood.

Joyce Keokham (They/Them) is an actor, writer, director, producer, and poet best described as a storyteller based on earth. They enjoy actualizing stories rooted in truth, community, and radical self-love. Their mom once described them as a messenger of love; Joyce hopes to live up to this. Their work can be found at http://lilearthling.xyz and on instagram: @fuqr

What are you best known for?

Maybe my work as an intersectional storyteller? If I'm honest, it's not much of an acclaim since most filmmakers aren't inclusive in their writing and casting, unfortunately!!

What is the first thing you worked on professionally?

The first time I ever got paid to do anything film-related was as an actor for an NYU Student's Thesis film. It was conflicting because it was the first time I was ever traded compensation for my acting but my character had to be raped on-screen. This was back in 2017 when there weren't many opportunities for Asian-Americans in film so the scarcity of opportunities made me think if I didn't accept this role there wouldn't be any opportunities to follow. And this was true because there wasn't consistent work for me as an actor. Luckily my on-set experience opened me up to all the positions that need to be filled behind the scenes. After my first PA gig for an Onlunchbreak x Highsnobiety x Reebok ft. Gucci Mane, I quickly shifted into working as a producer, then as a writer and director. 

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

There is a feature film I hope to make one day. It's based on my childhood and my experiences as someone who frequently ran away from home to escape the gender binaries heralded by my family.