Meet Young Man Kang | Festival Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Young Man Kang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Young Man, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of LA WEBFEST and Hollywood Series is our unwavering commitment to empowering storytellers from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. By providing a platform that celebrates creativity and innovation in both film and web series formats, we’ve built a global community of passionate creators, establishing ourselves as a key entertainment hub in Hollywood. I believe that offering people the opportunity to share their unique voices and visions has been instrumental to our success. Additionally, our openness to new trends and flexibility in approach enable us to continually adapt and offer relevant opportunities for creators in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art centers around storytelling, particularly through web series and film. What sets me apart is my passion for exploring stories from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which is reflected in the international scope of my work, like the Prayer International Series. I’m deeply committed to creating content that connects people globally, while also highlighting faith, resilience, and the human experience in various cultural contexts. This approach has allowed me to tell unique stories that resonate with audiences around the world.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building a platform through LA WEBFEST and Hollywood Series where creators can showcase their work, fostering a global community of storytellers. It’s exciting to see how the web series format has grown, and I’m thrilled to be part of that movement.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many artists, I faced challenges ranging from securing resources to navigating the competitive nature of the industry. However, I’ve always remembered the advice of Michael Ajakwe Jr., who said, ‘Don’t wait, create!’ That philosophy helped me push through obstacles and stay motivated even when things were difficult. I also draw inspiration from Jean-Michel Albert’s motto, ‘Fight, fight!’ which has been a reminder to stay resilient and persistent in the face of challenges. These words of wisdom guided me to overcome the hurdles by surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who believed in my work, and by continuously adapting to new trends and technologies in the digital space.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are to never stop learning, to embrace change, and to value the power of community. Collaboration is essential in this industry, and the more you open yourself up to learning from others, the stronger your work will become.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we are all about empowerment and connection. Whether through LA WEBFEST, Hollywood Series, or my own personal projects, I aim to create content that brings people together, inspires creativity, and highlights the power of storytelling. I believe in the importance of giving creators a platform and encouraging them to tell their own stories, no matter where they’re from.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d definitely take them to 8000 Sunset Strip, a place with deep personal meaning for me. It used to be called the Sunset 5 Mall, home to the Laemmle Sunset 5 movie theater, which is now the Landmark Theater. This spot is special because back in 2001, my very first feature film Cupid’s Mistake had its premiere at the Laemmle Sunset 5. I used to watch movies there in the late ’90s, dreaming of one day seeing my film on that very screen. That dream came true, and the following year, I earned a Guinness World Record for creating the least expensive feature film ever to open in a US theater. Ever since then, this place has been close to my heart, and it’s my go-to spot to hang out with friends and visitors. It’s also perfectly located in the heart of Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood, so it’s always full of energy.

For a week-long trip, I’d start our days by grabbing coffee and breakfast at Urth Caffé on Melrose, followed by some exploration of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a hike up to the Griffith Observatory to catch those iconic views of the city and the Hollywood sign. I’d definitely take them to the Getty Center for some art and culture, and maybe a stroll along Venice Beach to soak up some of that LA sun and see the famous boardwalk.

In terms of food, I’d take them to Gracias Madre for some great plant-based Mexican food in West Hollywood, and we’d definitely make a stop at Musso & Frank Grill, a historic Hollywood institution. For a more laid-back night, we’d go to The Roger Room, a cool speakeasy-style bar, or grab drinks at The Tower Bar for a classic Hollywood feel.

To round out the trip, we’d have to visit Universal Studios Hollywood for some fun and a little taste of the movie magic that defines the city. If time permits, we’d also take a day trip to Malibu to relax by the beach and enjoy the scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway. Overall, it would be a mix of old Hollywood charm, personal stories, and some of the best spots LA has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to two incredible individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. First, Michael Ajakwe Jr., the Emmy Award-winning founder of LA WEBFEST, who laid the foundation for everything I’ve been able to accomplish in the web series world. His vision for celebrating and uplifting creators through LA WEBFEST has been a guiding light for me, and I’m honored to continue his legacy. Second, Jean-Michel Albert, the founder of Marseille Webfest and an outstanding showrunner, who supported me and inspired me to think globally. Both of these men have been instrumental in my growth, providing mentorship, support, and encouragement that have helped me become who I am today. Their contributions to the industry and my personal journey deserve all the recognition.

Website: https://www.lawebfest.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawebfest2025

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ymkfilms/

Twitter: https://x.com/lawebfest2025

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/webfests

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@webfests

Other: https://www.hollywoodseries.net/
https://www.ymkfilms.com/

Image Credits
1. Young Man Kang at the Atlanta Webfest 2024
2. Young Man Kang with the cast and crew on the Lotte Haus film set in Giessen, Germany
3. Young Man Kang at the Marseille Webfest 2021
4. LA WEBFEST 2025 Official Selections
5. LA WEBFEST 2025 Poster
6. Young Man Kang & Jean-Michel Albert
7. Michael Ajakwe Jr. & Young Man Kang
8. LA WEBFEST 2024 Award Ceremony