Meet He “Shirley” Sui | Independent Film Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with He “Shirley” Sui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi He “Shirley”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My favorite director is Lars Von Trier, particularly for his films The Idiots and Dancer in the Dark. I was immediately drawn to the strong female characters and the raw, powerful stories he tells, which have a profound emotional impact. I also have a deep appreciation for Dogme 95 films, which use simple, unfancy shots to convey incredibly powerful narratives. This minimalist yet effective approach to storytelling is one of the reasons I aspire to be a producer and storyteller. I want to plant little seeds in people’s minds, encouraging them to see the world from different perspectives and to feel something deeply.

Filmmaking allows me to express my emotions, capture life’s most cherished moments, and communicate that it’s okay to be different. Through my films, I aim to spark discussions about social issues and human nature, touching the deepest parts of people’s hearts and inspiring even small positive changes in the world. During my undergraduate studies at NYU Tisch, I discovered my passion for creative producing, realizing that producers are the ones who bring the magical world of film to life. I am determined to become a film producer, not only to tell my own stories but also to help others share the stories that matter most to them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love being an independent film producer, and I am passionate about producing a wide variety of independent films. I believe it’s crucial to tell stories from diverse cultures and perspectives. As a filmmaker born in China and having spent most of my adult life in the United States, I have produced several short films that explore the different perspectives and family dynamics between Chinese and American cultures. My goal is to use my films to create a bridge between these cultures.

After witnessing environments where the only way to succeed as a producer was to play golf and be “bros” with the boss, I am determined to start my own all-female production company. My aim is to make and produce films that resonate with minorities and tell their unique stories, rather than focusing solely on blockbusters that appeal to the masses. I also believe it’s crucial to take good care of the film crew. I don’t want to be a producer who only manages upwards; I want to demonstrate the importance of treating everyone with respect and compassion. People’s health and well-being are more important than filmmaking.

Growing up in a culture that sometimes favors boys over girls, I heard people telling my dad not to let me study overseas, saying, “Don’t waste money on a girl; she will get married anyway.” But I never let that discourage me. I believe it’s essential to tell stories about strong female characters, and I am committed to doing just that.

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?
My favorite area in LA is undoubtedly the film theaters. I love taking my friends to experience the magic of cinema and the insightful Q&A sessions with filmmakers at iconic venues like the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, Los Feliz Theatre, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. These theaters offer a unique glimpse into the world of filmmaking and an opportunity to hear directly from the creators. Additionally, I enjoy bringing my friends to the San Gabriel area, where we can savor a diverse array of Chinese cuisine, making for a perfect blend of cultural and culinary exploration.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and friends, who have been incredibly supportive of my film career, and to all the teachers at NYU Tisch and AFI Conservatory who have guided me along my filmmaking journey. I also want to express my gratitude to the Canva x AFI Fellowship award for enabling me to pursue my dream of becoming a producer at AFI Conservatory.

Instagram: @shirleysuihe

Image Credits
Jake Capriotti, Quinn Gorbutt, Zheng Qu, RJ Ragampudi, Lexi Pang