Meet Di “Amber” Li | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Di “Amber” Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Di “Amber”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My personality is deeply driven by a passion for exploration and innovation. I enjoy trying different things and decided from a young age that I didn’t want to live a boring life. Therefore, pursuing creative work was a natural choice for me. In the process of creating, I feel like I immerse myself in another world, where my imagination is set free, allowing me to explore and express my innermost feelings and thoughts.

Creative work is not just a profession but also a way of life for me. I immerse myself in the world of stories, empathizing with characters’ thoughts and feelings as if living another life. This spirit of exploration has become the driving force and joy of my creative process.

At the same time, I also hope to influence and inspire others through my work. I believe that art is a powerful tool for communication, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, touching people’s hearts and minds deeply. Therefore, I hope that through my creations, audiences can appreciate the beauty of the East while showcasing it to the world.

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.
My undergraduate studies were focused on still photography. Rather than capturing a single moment of beauty, I am more passionate about delving into the stories behind moving images. Therefore, I came to Chapman University’s Dodge College to study film cinematography, aiming to use the techniques and artistic expressions of cinematography to present these stories in a more vivid and poignant manner to the audience.

I firmly believe that film is the pinnacle of artistic expression as it amalgamates various art forms. In the realm of filmmaking, cinematography, music, performance, directing, and screenwriting intertwine to craft a completely new artistic creation. Moreover, I see film as a gateway to creating alternative worlds, satisfying people’s innate curiosity for the unknown. Particularly, science fiction films excel in constructing diverse realms, captivating audiences with their exploration of the unfamiliar.

I also have a deep appreciation for thriller and suspense films, as they maximize the audio-visual language to its fullest extent, immersing viewers in a world filled with mystery and uncertainty.

However, my greatest aspiration is to use my lens to showcase traditional Chinese beauty to global audiences. It pains me to witness films that blend elements from different historical periods in order to cater to stereotypical expectations of Chinese culture. I aim to authentically represent and honor Chinese tradition through my work, providing audiences with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity and uniqueness of Chinese culture.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ll take my friends to Santa Monica Beach, where we’ll hop on the small roller coaster at the seaside amusement park during the magic hour. As we ride, we’ll enjoy the sky and sea turning pink under the setting sun.

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?
I would like to express my gratitude to my director, Heyi Pan. Not only is he an excellent director, but also an inspiring figure throughout my journey in the world of film. Prior to collaborating with him, I held a highly critical attitude towards films. As a filmmaker, I often felt embarrassed when others asked me about my favorite movie because I couldn’t give a definitive answer, feeling that certain details didn’t quite align with my expectations. However, Heyi introduced me to a whole new way of watching films. He taught me to let go of my excessive focus on details and instead focus on experiencing the emotions and meanings conveyed by the films. This shift in perspective allowed me to truly understand the power of cinema, no longer being bogged down by trivial details but instead, focusing on experiencing the emotional impact and intellectual revelations brought by films. His guidance not only changed my viewing habits, but also profoundly influenced my life attitudes and values.

Website: https://amberlifilm.wixsite.com/amberlivisual

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_li07?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15156661/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk