Meet Rui Dong | Director /Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rui Dong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rui, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have had a strong interest in art since childhood. I learned drawing and piano at an early age and developed a deep fascination for film and television. These early experiences paved the way for my involvement in a creative career. However, I must admit that pursuing a career in the art industry was not my initial plan.

My true journey into the realm of creation and art began when I came to the United States for my studies. Initially, like many international students, I was uncertain about the direction of my future. However, due to the environment around me and exposure to numerous creators, I developed an interest in content creation. I enrolled in UC Santa Cruz’s Bachelor program in Film and Digital Media, which primarily focused on theoretical courses. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to participate in a production course, providing me with initial insights and experiences in production. During this time, I also joined a band and produced several music videos.

After graduating from UCSC, my original plan was to become a content creator. However, due to the pandemic, I ultimately decided to come to LA to study film. I joined the MFA Filmmaking program at the New York Film Academy in Burbank. Here, with the help of many professionals, I delved deeper into Hollywood’s film and television production, gaining significant practical experience. Throughout my time at NYFA, I participated in numerous shoots, and even after graduation, I continue to create short films. I maintain a passion for film and television, which is why I embarked on the path of art and creation.

This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, shaping my understanding and commitment to the artistic and creative field. I believe that the diverse experiences and practical knowledge gained have equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive in the world of art and content creation.

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.
Film, as a captivating fusion of visual and auditory elements, possesses the unique power to evoke profound emotions, providing viewers with immersive experiences. As a filmmaker, my guiding philosophy revolves around seamlessly orchestrating visuals and sound to captivate audiences, eliciting emotions deeply rooted in fundamental human experiences.

My source of pride is the recent completion of my short film, ‘The Mirror.’ This project, seamlessly blending horror and drama, upholds meticulous standards in visual composition, sound design, and music. The excitement stems from its entry into the festival circuit, where it has already earned recognition from multiple film festivals. Anticipation builds as I look forward to a broader audience experiencing the film. ‘The Mirror’ not only stands as a standalone short film but also serves as a proof of concept for an envisioned feature film, a project I envision gracing the big screen in the near future.

My journey as a filmmaker has been marked by numerous challenges, from financial obstacles to external impediments. Emphasizing the challenge of gaining visibility for myself and my work, I acknowledge that, especially in the early stages, earning recognition proves to be a formidable task for any filmmaker or artist. I firmly believe that hard work, effective communication, and bravely expressing myself are crucial in navigating this challenge. While I wouldn’t assert that I’ve entirely overcome this hurdle, I see it as an ongoing aspect of my career. This is also why I’m here—aiming to share my narrative and work with a broader audience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a captivating city with a myriad of experiences to offer. I would start the adventure with a Hollywood morning, hiking to the iconic sign and exploring the vibrant Hollywood Boulevard. Following that, we’d head to the coastal delights of Santa Monica and Venice, enjoying the famous pier and eclectic boardwalk for a perfect beach day. The next day, we would immerse ourselves in the arts and culture of downtown LA, exploring renowned spots like The Broad Museum and the historic Olvera Street. Nature enthusiasts would find their haven at Griffith Park on the subsequent day, reveling in breathtaking views from the observatory.

For foodies, our culinary journey would take us through diverse neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and the Chinese restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley. And, of course, no visit to LA is complete without a taste of theme park magic at Disneyland and Universal Studios.

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?
There are so many people to be thankful for along this journey—my partner, family, teachers, colleagues, and friends. They have all contributed to my life and career in different ways. However, I want to express special gratitude to my parents, who have unwaveringly supported me, especially considering the additional challenges that come with being an international student in the current challenging global economic conditions. We all know that pursuing a career in film or any artistic industry is difficult, requiring both passion and financial support. Given the setbacks the film industry has faced due to the pandemic and strikes, my parents’ support for my dreams, both emotionally and financially, is significant and cannot be overlooked. It can be said that without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/raydo_ng?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-dong-51648b183/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/erte_c6kzQQ

Image Credits
Zuyou Liu, Mingyuan Liu, Andrea Orta, Kushagra Jain, Tianrun Shi