We had the good fortune of connecting with Im-Sun Song and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Im-Sun, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From an early age, I’ve been drawn to the arts, especially film and television. I’m fascinated by the lingering impact that a great movie can have on me, the desire to want more, and the motivation it provides to create my own stories. One distinct memory I have from childhood is when I was ten years old. I was so immersed in films that I thought Satine from Moulin Rouge had really died despite it being fiction. I wanted to make films that people could form an authentic and emotional connection with. As a filmmaker, I draw inspiration from the rich and diverse stories of people from all walks of life, each one offering a unique perspective on the human experience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to stories that explore women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC communities. I start each project by talking with the director and taking the time to really get to know them and their vision for the film. By discussing the story’s themes, characters, and visual style, we can collaborate to create a compelling and authentic narrative that resonates with audiences.

As a cinematographer, my goal is to create an intimate and immersive visual experience that is both engaging and impactful. I strive to create a visual language that complements the narrative and enhances the emotional resonance of the film. For me, the magic of filmmaking is in the ability to transport the audience into the world of the characters.

I’m proud of having won an award for Healing in Color, a documentary that I shot about black women healing through art. Some exciting news on upcoming projects would be Divine Intervention, a film about environmental issues which I produced is premiering at the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival. Of Silence and Song, a story about family and women’s reproductive rights that I shot, is in its final stages of post production. Grape Body, a story about eating disorders and body image which I will shoot, will go into production soon.

The journey to being where I am today has been challenging. The biggest obstacle is myself and being afraid of the possibility of failure. The only way to overcome such hurdles is to do the things that scare me the most and to allow myself to be vulnerable. Or else, I would be stuck in one place and there wouldn’t be any growth as a person and an artist. I have to be the one propelling my journey forward.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great museums and galleries to explore in LA, so we’ll spend hours wandering through exhibitions at The Broad, LACMA, MOCA, and the Huntington Gardens. Afterwards, we’ll head to a cozy café or restaurant near the museum and catch up on each other’s lives. Later in the evening, we might venture to Koreatown for some KBBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has been a constant source of love and support, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams no matter how daunting they may seem. My friends have also played a crucial role, offering me opportunities to collaborate with them and trusting me to bring their stories to life. I’m also grateful for having mentors and fellow cinematographers who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise with me, helping me to hone my skills and develop my craft. Without the support and encouragement of these individuals, I would not be where I am today.

Other: DP Reel https://vimeo.com/793204574

Image Credits
Billy Knowles, Young Li, Matthew Halla, Haomin Hu, Ian Chen, Dai Leyi

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.