Praising Truong Ngoc Anh, Daniel K. Winn, U60, rich, still works 16 hours/day

Run multiple businesses, work 14-16 hours/day

- Why did you decide to make the movie "Chrysalis - The Cocoon" about your life?

I believe cinema is the best way to convey the story of my life.

During my childhood with my grandmother in Saigon, everyone thought I was miserable because I was so poor, worrying about food every day, but I always wanted to return to those days. Those carefree, innocent days and my grandmother is still here.

The film also helps the subject I am pursuing. After watching it, the audience will understand why I have the current style of painting and sculpture. The ups and downs of life create my art.

- How much money did you spend on this movie?

I want to make a real film to compete in film festivals, not to make money at the box office. If this film were made entirely in the US, it would cost an estimated $30-40 million.

Luckily, I met Jordan Schulz - a Hollywood film director who understood me very well. Because of our close relationship, he only charged a nominal fee. Truong Ngoc Anh also quoted me a very good price.

Daniel K. Winn at the premiere of "Chrysalis".

Previously, I made 2 short films with a duration of 20 minutes, winning awards. This film has a higher investment, the quality is also about 5 times better, I believe it can win some awards.

- What is your job now?

When I was a medical student at the University of California, she passed away. Before she passed away, she said that life is too short, so do what makes you happy. Thanks to that, I pursued my passion for painting and sculpture and achieved success.

Additionally, I run a company that represents dozens of painters, sculptors, and a film production company.

I am very busy, working an average of 14-16 hours a day and not taking a day off during the week. On filming days, I have to wake up at 6am and return at midnight the next day.

- How did you go from being a medical student to opening your first art gallery?

I cover this period in some detail in my autobiography. After she died, I dropped out of medical school and lived homeless in a car in very poor conditions for three years.

During that time, I worked all kinds of jobs: burgers, pizzas, cleaning... until I got a job at a shop selling art supplies and frames. Working there, I was able to buy brushes, paints and canvas frames at cheap prices.

The male artist rose from poverty.

The first paintings, around 1989-1990, I sold on the street for 100 USD.

After about 10 years of hard work, I saved up some money. I also knew a business-minded person, so together we opened a picture frame shop and a small exhibition room.

At this time, I started appearing in newspapers. Thanks to marketing, the prices of my paintings and sculptures increased.

Knighthood Mystery

- How is your charity work in Vietnam?

I maintain activities such as charity auctions of art works, donations to professional charities in the US. I have not counted the exact amount but the total amount in 10 years is about more than 10 million USD.

In Vietnam, I have a personal assistant who is in charge of buying gifts and necessities to give to charity homes. I have also worked with funds such as Project Vietnam, Hope to help children with cleft lip, cleft palate or congenital heart disease.

- What does your title of Knight mean?

In 2018, at a charity auction event, a man asked his assistant to invite me to lunch. During the meal, he asked me many questions about my career, life, and charity work.

Daniel K. Winn in real life.

Then he said he would recommend me to his father, Prince Waldemar Stephen zu Schaumburg-Lippe (a noble family that ruled the Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe from 1647-1918, now part of the Federal Republic of Germany. Prince Waldemar Stephen is the head of the Nachod branch of the family, and is also related to the Danish royal family - Editor's note) to be awarded the title of Knight.

Out of surprise, I asked a somewhat impolite question: "How much do I have to pay for this title?". He said with a serious face that this title cannot be bought with money.

About 6-7 months later, Prince Waldemar Stephen zu Schaumburg-Lippe and his wife went to the United States, held a title ceremony that gathered hundreds of people, and was attended by a large number of press.

Since then, my name has always been accompanied by this title, Sir Daniel K. Winn, often used in charity activities. Thanks to this title, I do charity work more easily, reducing a lot of paperwork and procedures in foreign states or countries.

I don't really care about it though. You can call me "Sir" or whatever you want.

- What are your plans for the future?

I want to incorporate painting and sculpture into my next film. I am also planning to hold a sculpture exhibition in my hometown.

I am only 59 years old now, still very young. Maybe when I am 80, I will return to Vietnam to work as a creative director and art advisor.

Actress Kieu Chinh and baby Uy Nhan recreate the childhood of painter Daniel K. Winn with his grandmother

Photo: NVCC

Despite their age gap, how do Truong Ngoc Anh and Samuel An act as husband and wife? In the new film “Chrysalis – Chiec cocoon”, actors Truong Ngoc Anh and Samuel An - 17 years apart - play the main character’s parents.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hoa-si-daniel-k-winn-tuoi-u60-giau-co-duoc-phong-danh-hieu-hiep-si-2393208.html