How Identity Has Influenced a Filmmaker's Career at Humanist Films

Identifying as an Asian American filmmaker, when I first started pursuing filmmaking, there were very few Asian American filmmakers. Now, you see a lot more filmmakers, actors, and stories on TV.

Back then, when I was going to UCLA, there were very few. Ang Lee was the one I looked up to as a legendary filmmaker. He seemed unattainable, like a god.

I had no real-world role models to talk with, ask questions, or learn from. I didn't know the ins and outs of getting into the field. Over time, it has grown, but there's still not enough.

There aren't enough Asian Americans or people of color in positions of power. This limits our ability to diversify hiring, protect authentic stories, and advocate for policy. It will take concerted efforts to grow this movement.

We need more representation, more authentic stories, and the ability to hire the most talented actors and crews. We also need distribution networks and exhibition to share these stories broadly. It will take time to achieve this.

On my own, I've focused on teaching younger people how to get into filmmaking. I teach media arts during the summer, including filmmaking, photography, and podcasting. I aim to foster a general love of the arts.

As a younger person or student, you might not know how to get into filmmaking. You see great content on TV or your phone, but you don't know how it's made unless you're already doing it.

If you aren't making videos, doing podcasts, or using social media, you won't know how to get started. Many years ago, I was in that position, even though I loved filmmaking.

It involved a lot of research and self-study. Eventually, I took extension classes through UCLA and industry courses, and I made my own films. I figured the sooner I introduced students to something amazing, the sooner they might consider it a career.

By discussing both the great and tough aspects of filmmaking, they can enter the field prepared. This is something I didn't have. Knowing it's a career option, alongside being an accountant, engineer, or doctor, gives them an enlightened perspective.

They might think, "Maybe I should try it." Even if they don't become filmmakers, understanding communications is vital for business. You need to know how to work with companies doing your video or social media.

When you go to a theater, you need visual literacy to understand the filmmaker's intent. It's not just entertainment; it's about appreciating the art on a deeper level, like appreciating a piece of art in a museum.

All of this takes understanding, knowledge, and education. The sooner you provide students with these tools, the more they can enjoy it and potentially consider it a career. When they do, people like us will support them.

We want them to succeed, and we want the next generation to succeed because filmmaking has given me so much. I want others to experience the same thing.