Meet YU LIN (Dave) CHEN | Filmmaker & Director & Witter

We had the good fortune of connecting with YU LIN (Dave) CHEN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YU LIN (Dave), putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I would say that moving to the United States was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I was born and raised in Taiwan, a beautiful country where I had a happy family and a decent job. But there was a dream hidden deep inside me, to become a filmmaker, to be a director.
Three years ago, I almost gave up on this dream. I am very grateful to my family for their support, which ignited the flames of chasing dreams within me. I quit my beloved job and came to LA to pursue my dream. Looking back now, it was the best decision I ever made in my life, welcoming my new journey!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, art is a form of expression, whether it’s a single line from a movie that resonates with the audience or the profound meaning behind religious artwork; these aspects fascinate me.

In my short film “DANCING ON MY OWN,” I explore the intersection of hip-hop culture and racial differences, aiming to evoke a sense of loyalty to oneself and one’s cultural heritage while preserving the purity of the soul.

Looking back, I encountered numerous challenges throughout this process. In such a fiercely competitive environment, staying true to oneself can be quite difficult. However, for me, focusing on the fundamentals often attracts opportunities.

I hope to utilize my storytelling skills to help people break free from stereotypes and nurture their souls to be more pure

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Alright!! I have so many great spots to take them to. I’d say, when in LA, experiencing an NBA game, whether it’s Lakers or Clippers, is a must. After the game, we could head to K-town for some Korean cuisine. If they’re up for the beach, Huntington Beach is my favorite because it’s less crowded and the sand is cleaner. In winter, we could go skiing at Big Bear. LA is perfect for outdoor activities. For a date night, Downtown’s rooftop cinema is the place to be! Overall, if my friends come to visit me, they’ll fall in love with LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say that my family has been the greatest support for me. Without the support of my parents and the blessings of my friends, it would have been impossible for me to pursue my dreams.
I wanna big shoutout to Miles Carrtington and his wife Vickie Fine. They became my best friends and family in the first week of my arrival in the United States, introducing me to American culture and providing invaluable industry connections and emotional support. I genuinely respect you both from the bottom of my heart!
There are many others I want to thank, and I am also grateful to God for giving me the strength and courage. On this journey, I will only move forward, keeping my original intentions alive and never forgetting where I came from.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davechendav?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-chen-aab784283?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: https://www.instagram.com/dancingonmyownshortfilm?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==