Meet Tristan Marley Lai | Director and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tristan Marley Lai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tristan Marley, how do you think about risk?
My stubborn self would never settle for anything ordinary. If I am doing the same thing, there is something wrong with me. Taking risks is what pushed me forward to where I am today. However, I don’t think I will ever be able to shake off the dreadful feeling of taking a leap of faith by taking risks like going to film school or rejecting a directing deal from one of the biggest energy drink companies in the world. In my first term of film school, my Grandma told me she would not be able to afford my tuition at ArtCenter College of Design if I couldn’t get loans or scholarships. This created a black hole of anxiety in my heart. So I decided to pour all my resources into my short films, this was like going all-in on a game of Texas holdem. There were points where I hated my work, doubted every measure & even started praying to God and Buddha even though I’m heavily agnostic. Once I submitted to scholarship review, I was able to secure a full scholarship from donors like Honda, the Alice Epstein Foundation, and other anonymous donors from the college. This feeling is unforgettable and it takes immense sacrifice to pull off. At twenty three years old, I rejected a directing deal from a label tied to one of the largest energy drinks companies in the world. When I was first approached, I thought, wow, this is quite literally a dream come true. I am getting hired to do a music video with a huge budget and tied with a drink that all my friends know about. Until I was instructed to use generative artificial intelligence to mold the non-Asian actors faces into anime faces as a visual effect. I asked many friends if I should do it or not, and about fifty percent told me yes and no. For me, I am sick and disgusted of the normalization of the fantasization and festishization of being Asian in contemporary media. Saying no to this offer would have never been possible without the insight of Christina Xing and David Kellogg. It is important to protect and uphold your identity, beliefs, and morals from risks that could harm or contaminate us. The money is never worth your individuality.

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 mission is to unravel the most complex parts of myself. To be honest, all my work is personal, and although it may not be directly about anyone or anything. All my work is based on how I’ve felt. To visualize, capture, or render something inexplicable is the very basis of art itself. Specifically, my work has been revolving around contemporary romantasies, a more than modern fantasy and a romance, cross-cultural and generational narratives that explore the inner melancholia of outcasts, loners, and the curious. What sets me apart is that I ensure that everything I do is intentional, researched, and authentic. As a mixed Filipino & Cantonese American, I offer a perspective that is completely different and fresh. Going from having Lechón, pancit, and pandesal at my Filipino’s side to Dim Sum and Chow Fun on my Cantonese side. My aims are to be part of the movements to break apart cultural firewalls.

Nothing is ever easy. When things get hard. I cry easily. I can taste the difference between angry and sad tears. Overcoming the pain has never ever been smooth for me. I revel in my frustrations and I make sure to feel the full weight of my emotions. This is where I create the most. The sweet spot of sadness, happiness, anger, and inspiration. This is how I got to where I am professionally, speaking my mind, treating everyone equally, and keeping a safe & efficient crew informed on my project and why I’m doing it.

Some lessons I’ve learned along the way is that you shouldn’t be doing art for other peoples opinions. Do it for yourself. Preparing for a project is the most important phase of your project, being prepared and equipped for any situation or unforeseen circumstance is the most professional thing a director can uphold and ensure a high morale for the team. Involving people who know more than you is what helps you learn and is naturally part of the collaborational process of film-making.

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.
TML Itinerary

CK’s cafe, Cafe MAK, and Summerfield Tea House.

Dim Sum certified by my Mama: World Seafood Restaurant in Alhambra.

Khun Dom in East Hollywood

Thien Huong in Chinatown

Kee Wah Bakery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt Christina Xing was the most significant person that helped convinced me that it was possible for an Asian American like me to make it. Me and my friend Pablo Banuelos saw her reel at a graduation show and were seriously impressed. I got to meet her later on and she let me be her directors shadow on a big music video set. They shot on 16mm and I was impressed by the amount of professionalism and her rapport with the entire cast & crew. She treated everyone as equals, introduced me to everyone, heard everyone out but still kept a stern directors attitude. I thought, damn this is really how I wanna run my ship.

Website: https://tristanmarleylai.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristanmarleylai/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@varsityfilmmaker

Image Credits
Jacob Sutton for Personal Polaroid