Meet Jessica Qinyue Luo | Film Director & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Qinyue Luo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica Qinyue, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m Jessica Qinyue Luo, an award-winning female director and producer, currently in the final stages of completing my MFA in directing at Loyola Marymount University. My journey into filmmaking has been profoundly shaped by my upbringing and background, which have instilled in me a deep appreciation for human emotions and social dynamics.

Born in China, my early years were marked by a unique childhood where I found myself navigating complex family dynamics. Raised by my grandparents and relatives due to circumstances preventing my parents from being able to care for me, I learned to observe and understand adult emotions from a young age. This early exposure to the intricacies of human relationships became the foundation of my storytelling journey.

Movies and TV dramas became my refuge, offering me a cathartic release and a voice for the feelings I struggled to express. From laughter to tears, each character’s emotions resonated deeply with me, sparking my passion for storytelling.

As I grew older, my fascination with visual storytelling led me to pursue a degree in Film Production at Penn State University. There, I reveled in watching my filmmaking skills evolve with each project, further refining my ability to capture the essence of human emotions on screen.

My journey took an unexpected turn in 2020 when I worked with ACCENT Productions in Shenzhen, where I learned the art of storytelling in the world of advertising. This experience broadened my understanding of narrative structure and reinforced my commitment to crafting stories that resonate with audiences across various platforms.

Today, based in Los Angeles, I am not just an observer but a director and producer, weaving my experiences and emotions into every project I undertake. Whether it’s films, commercials, web series, or other visual content, I am dedicated to creating stories that touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.

In essence, my background and upbringing have shaped me into a versatile storyteller who zooms in on human emotions and social relationships, seeking to capture the raw essence of the human experience through the art of visual storytelling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the core of my artistic journey lies a deep commitment to storytelling, manifested through my roles as both a director and producer of short films and visual content. Through my work, I strive to weave together raw emotions and complex human experiences into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Drawing inspiration from my background in sociology, I am driven to explore pressing social issues within my narratives. With a lens of balanced feminism, I endeavor to authentically portray women, emphasizing equality between genders and celebrating our shared imperfections. Rather than perpetuating stereotypes or promoting one gender over another, my stories underscore the importance of introspection and mutual support, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

Reflecting on my proudest achievements, I am thrilled to share my latest directorial works:

“Underwater Blue” (2024) serves as my thesis film, a refined 13-minute short that delves into the themes of music and love. This poignant narrative follows a female protagonist on an emotional journey of jealousy, exploring the complexities of human relationships with depth and sensitivity.

“Ornamental Orientable” (2024) is a thought-provoking 12-minute sci-fi film that I directed. Centered around an Asian female protagonist, the story explores themes of mental illness and resilience in the face of white supremacy. Through innovative storytelling and visual techniques, this film challenges societal norms and sparks conversations about identity and empowerment.

Additionally, “Halfway To You” (2024) marks my directorial debut in the realm of music videos. Collaborating with Chinese artist YZ, this visually stunning project merges music and storytelling to create a captivating audio-visual experience that resonates with audiences on a visceral level.

In addition to these directorial endeavors, my production ventures have garnered acclaim, with films like “One Afternoon” (2021), “Upstream” (2023), and “Flatulence: The Origin” (2023) making waves in the film festival circuit.

My bicultural upbringing serves as a unique lens through which I approach storytelling, blending Eastern sensibilities with Western narrative techniques. This fusion of cultural influences, personal experiences, and an unwavering passion for filmmaking infuses my work with a distinctive voice that resonates with audiences worldwide.

As both a director and producer, I take pride in infusing every project with a piece of my essence, from its inception to execution. Each film is not just a story but a fragment of my soul, laid bare for the world to witness. In the vast panorama of filmmakers, I strive to make my mark by creating narratives that touch hearts, provoke thought, and inspire change.

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?
Oh, this is a fun question!

To kick off the adventure, there’s nothing quite like an afternoon at the beach, soaking in the sun’s rays with beers and fried chicken in hand. Whether we opt for the laid-back vibes of Manhattan Beach or the bustling energy of Hermosa Beach, capturing the sunset with a film camera in hand promises to be a memory worth cherishing.

Next on the agenda is KazuNori in Marina Del Rey—an absolute gem in my book. With its breathtaking views and delectable sushi rolls, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy meal among friends. Just a heads up, though—the line can be a bit daunting, but fear not, I’ve got the insider scoop on the best times to avoid the crowds.

As the night unfolds, there’s no better place to let loose than Terra Cotta club in the heart of K-Town. With its pulsating beats of hip-hop and EDM, it’s the ultimate destination for fun and revelry. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the warmth of the people, ensures an unforgettable experience that’s sure to keep us dancing into the wee hours.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my family, school, professors, and mentors throughout my filmmaking journey. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today.

However, I’d like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on someone who holds a truly special place in my heart: my best friend, Gracy Wang. We’ve been inseparable since the age of 12, and over the past 12 years, Gracy has become more than just a friend—she’s family. During my darkest times and most devastating moments, Gracy has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. Her support has often felt like a lifeline, and her words of wisdom have carried me through some of my toughest challenges.

What sets Gracy apart is not only her unwavering support but also her keen insight into human psychology and relationships. With her background in psychology, she brings a unique perspective to our conversations, which always leave me feeling inspired and enlightened. Our discussions about human-related topics have not only deepened our bond but have also enriched my creative process as a filmmaker.

Gracy’s sharp insight and unwavering support have been invaluable to me, especially when it comes to crafting characters and exploring their relationships in my films. Her friendship is a constant source of inspiration, and I am endlessly grateful to have her by my side as I continue to pursue my passion for storytelling.

To Gracy, thank you for being my rock, my confidante, and my biggest cheerleader. Your friendship means the world to me, and I couldn’t imagine embarking on this journey without you by my side.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12611556/

Instagram: ljessxx

Image Credits
Oriental Ornamental BTS – Yuzhi Huang Underwater Blue BTS – Xingyu “Harry” Chen Halfway To You BTS – Haiyi Yu