After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with a focus on social documentary filmmaking, I found myself exploring the intersection of storytelling and visual art. My journey has taken me through the world of independent short documentaries and into the vibrant realm of commercial directing. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned Chinese celebrities, prestigious fashion magazines like COSMO, Harper’s Bazaar, and Bazaar Jewelry, as well as several international luxury brands.
From Documentary to Advertising: A Natural Transition
Studying documentary filmmaking opened my eyes to the diversity of human experiences. Through my lens, I captured individuals, each with their unique stories. Documentaries helped me uncover facets of the world that often remain hidden, allowing me to develop a profound appreciation for the resilience and complexity of humanity.
At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to the artistic and commercial expressions of the fashion industry. While documentary filmmaking is rooted in observing and conveying real-life stories, commercial advertising offers an opportunity for the director to shape narratives and craft visual worlds that align with a brand’s ethos. Both mediums, despite their differences, hold immense power to influence and inspire audiences.
In advertising, I see a chance to blend authentic storytelling with stylized expression, creating work that is both meaningful and aesthetically compelling. Whether I’m collaborating with a client on a brand concept or directing a narrative-driven advertisement, I aim to harness the storytelling power of film to evoke emotions, inspire action, and amplify voices.
“Show Your Love”: Celebrating Female Empowerment
One of my impressive fulfilling projects as a commercial director was creating Show Your Love, a campaign for Bazaar Jewelry. This series of short films celebrated women as embodiments of strength and radiance, with the theme encouraging every woman to “Show your love, Show your passion” while on the journey of self-discovery.
The campaign featured three extraordinary women: a professional tennis player, a singer-actor-director, and the editor-in-chief of Bazaar Jewelry. Through interviews, they shared their personal journeys of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in their respective fields. These stories resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring countless women to embrace their individuality and chase their dreams unapologetically.
Directing Show Your Love reminded me of the transformative power of storytelling. Beyond promoting a brand or product, it provided a platform for real voices to be heard and celebrated.
A Journey Back to Social Documentary
Working on Show Your Love brought to mind my formative years at the School of Visual Arts, where I had the opportunity to make a short documentary (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA4QeCzt5YS/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) for a nonprofit organization called VIP (Violence Intervention Program). This New York-based NGO supports Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, providing a safe haven and resources for recovery.
For the project, I interviewed a resilient woman named RD, who courageously shared her story of survival. Her openness and strength illuminated the struggles many women face and served as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. Despite being only a few feet away from her during the interview, I felt as though her light radiated far beyond the room, reaching countless others through the lens of my camera.
At that time, I was grappling with my own struggles, including depression triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. RD’s unwavering courage and positivity left an indelible mark on me. She not only transformed her own narrative but also inspired me to find strength in adversity and continue sharing stories that matter.
The Power of Female Voices in Filmmaking
Both the Show Your Love campaign and my work with VIP reinforced my belief in the importance of elevating women’s voices through film. As a Chinese female filmmaker, I am deeply committed to creating stories that resonate with women from diverse backgrounds—across different races, ethnicities, and age groups etc.
Filmmaking, whether in the form of documentaries, advertisements, or narrative films, is a medium that transcends boundaries. It is a way to connect with audiences on a profound level, offering new perspectives and fostering empathy. My work seeks to bridge cultures and experiences, advocating for inclusion and equality while celebrating individuality and resilience.
Crafting Dreams Through Film
For me, filmmaking is more than just a profession—it’s a dream-making journey, every step of the process holds the potential to inspire and transform. Whether I’m working on a short documentary for social impact or a visually stunning advertisement for a luxury brand, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful connections and empower audiences.
As I look ahead, I am excited to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of the film industry. With advancements in technology and storytelling techniques, filmmakers have more tools than ever to push creative boundaries and reach wider audiences. I hope to use these tools to amplify the voices of women and other underrepresented groups, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose through the art of filmmaking.
Closing Thoughts
My experiences, from documenting stories of survival to crafting narratives for global brands, have taught me that filmmaking is ultimately about connection. Whether capturing reality or constructing a dream, the camera serves as a bridge between the storyteller and the audience.
As I continue my journey as a director, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned from the remarkable women I’ve encountered. Their strength fuels my creativity, and their stories remind me of the profound impact film can have in inspiring change and sparking hope.
For me, being a filmmaker is not just about creating beautiful visuals—it’s about using those visuals to create meaning, foster understanding, and empower others. Through my lens, I hope to continue crafting dreams and sharing stories that leave a lasting impression on the world.