Meet Eddie Yukun Long | filmmaker, producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Yukun Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie Yukun, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m determined to pursue an artistic career because it lets me bring my imaginative vision to life. I’ve always been intrigued by the unpredictability of life—what could have happened and what might happen next—things we can’t always control, and the countless possibilities that can arise in a moment. I love taking ideas from my mind and turning them into something tangible on screen, creating an experience for everyone to enjoy. Art, especially filmmaking, gives me the perfect platform to develop my own style and blend reality with imagination. It’s a feeling I absolutely adore.

Another big reason for me is growing up as a queer Asian girl. Finding stories and films that focus on our community has been tough. I often felt these narratives should stay hidden or weren’t worthy of being shown in mainstream media. Through this, I’ve learned the importance of representation. That’s why I want to build a creative community that tells stories people haven’t seen before. By sharing my work, I hope others will feel inspired to share their own stories, showing everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a filmmaker, I focus on storytelling and production. My passion lies in crafting narratives that explore the intricate emotional landscapes of human existence. Themes such as self-reflection, family dynamics, and interpersonal relationships are central to my work, offering audiences a vivid portrayal of life’s complexities. Films like “Blub Blub,” “Emiri,” and “Fog Up” showcase my unique style and tone. What distinguishes me is my attention to detail and ability to capture fleeting moments that hold deep significance yet often go unnoticed. It’s within these seemingly ordinary moments that I uncover the true essence of humanity, a theme I strive to convey through my work.

In my role as a producer, I bring a hands-on approach and a wealth of experience gained from working in leading industry companies. My background has honed my skills in management, organization, and effective communication across diverse teams. Driven by a commitment to storytelling, I am deeply invested in ensuring a smooth and collaborative journey for the entire team. From short films to fashion shoots and commercials, my producing credits show my professionalism and dedication to achieving excellence.

Navigating the entertainment and filmmaking industry as a young artist in a foreign country has presented both challenges and rewards. Unlike some art forms, filmmaking is inherently collaborative, requiring a cohesive and creative team. Transitioning from independent work to embracing teamwork was a significant adjustment. However, I’ve grown to appreciate the value of collaboration, not only for practical on-set support but also for the rich exchange of ideas and feedback among peers. Conversations with fellow filmmakers have often sparked brilliant ideas and helped bring my vision to life. Learning to collaborate with other artists, not only on my own projects but also on theirs, has been an enriching experience that I truly value.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! A place that I would absolutely recommend is Thai Town on Hollywood Blvd. When you go there a bit later, maybe around 8pm, there aren’t as many people, so you can just order a pot to share with your friends and enjoy it right on the street. It feels so comfortable, chill, and fun to do that in a city like LA. Most importantly, the food is authentically delicious and fresh, making it feel like a mini vacation whenever I visit. If you enjoy Thai cuisine and want a relaxing time, it’s the perfect spot!

Another spot that I highly recommend is the Vista Theater. Not only does the theater have a really cool exterior that looks beautiful when the sun sets, but it also features many interesting films—from current hits to critically acclaimed indie films and old classics. It’s nice to find theaters that show they have a genuine passion for cinema, and I think Vista gives me that impression. It’s also surrounded by some cute cafés and thrift stores, which are also nice places to visit when you have free time.

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?
Firstly, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to NYU Tisch for igniting my filmmaking journey. Before college, I had no prior experience in filmmaking. I was curious and passionate but lacked direction. College provided me with the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover my identity as a filmmaker, artist, and creator. I am profoundly grateful for this transformative journey. I am certain that I could not have achieved what I have today without the support of the program, my exceptional professors, and my inspiring peers.

I also want to take this moment to thank my family and friends who have steadfastly supported every decision I’ve made, even though they may not fully understand the filmmaking industry. My parents have been my biggest champions, and my two best friends from college, Olivia and Sam, have been by my side every step of the way. They dedicated their precious weekends to helping on my sets and supporting me in every way—I cannot express enough how deeply grateful I am. I love you guys!

Additionally, I’d like to thank those who have entrusted me with working on their projects. It’s this kind of trust that has allowed me to grow with each new opportunity. Collaborating with others has taught me invaluable lessons, and I am incredibly grateful for these experiences.

Website: https://songosh7.wixsite.com/eddieyukunlong

Instagram: @wixsongosh_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-long-1018/

Image Credits
Ting Su, Taoquan Fu