Meet Andy Yi Li | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Yi Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy Yi, what do you attribute your success to?
My journey in the film world has been a whirlwind, packed with unexpected twists that could fill a movie script. From setbacks to curveballs, I’ve faced challenges that demanded perseverance and adaptability.

I initially pursued real estate in college and aspired to become a businesswoman working in the finance world. Yet, against all odds, I ended up double majoring in Cinema Studies, drawing closer to the realm of filmmaking. Interestingly, it wasn’t until I turned 23 that I decided to fully chase my filmmaking dream. Applying to film schools was an initial letdown, with rejections from all the film schools the first year I applied. But I didn’t give up. I regrouped, tried again the next year, and USC welcomed me aboard. Persistence, it seems, pays dividends.

However, my story goes beyond career aspirations and delves into personal adversity. At 19, I battled an eating disorder, an ordeal that reshaped my relationship with food and self-image. Recovery wasn’t linear or easy, requiring therapy and family support. By 2019, I emerged from that struggle, having dismantled the constraints that once held me back.

What’s interesting is that my first USC film centered around this very battle with an eating disorder. Converting personal strife into art proved to be a powerful healing mechanism, allowing me to communicate and raise awareness through film.

In 2021, things took another unexpected turn when I found myself in a major car accident en route to a film set. My car’s trunk was loaded with hazardous C stands and other grip equipment that should have been in a U-Haul truck. Talk about a chaotic situation! Despite the setback, just two days after the accident, I found myself directing a short scene. Needless to say, stress levels were soaring. However, my resilience came to the rescue, allowing me to regain composure and handle whatever life threw my way.

This incident served as a stark reminder that we can’t predict what tomorrow holds. Life is full of uncertainties. That’s where resilience steps in – it’s the ultimate tool in navigating these uncertainties. It helped me keep my cool and take on challenges head-on. We’re in a constant state of flux, and resilience is the key to staying afloat, no matter what comes our way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With a fervent aspiration to bring untold narratives to life on screen, I delve into unexplored themes and experiment with audacious visual storytelling techniques. My portfolio encompasses an array of subjects, ranging from the exploration of self-identity amidst complex sexuality and mental health challenges faced by us all to delving into sub-cultures such as underground art scenes, the essence of rural life in modern-day China, unrequited love, and the shadows of loneliness.

Presently, I am in the process of crafting my inaugural feature film, “Auntie Wu,” while also nurturing a collection of documentary projects centered around the Chinese Community in LA. A significant feather in my cap is my USC Thesis Film, “After Sunset, Dawn Arrives,” which secured the Jury Award at the 2022 DGA Student Awards and is a semi-finalist at the 2023 Student Academy Awards. My producing endeavors also garnered recognition, with my work on “Wei Lai” earning the esteemed title of Best Comedy Series at the 42nd College Television Awards.

My journey embodies the spirit of a relentless creator, driven by the quest to share stories that resonate and reverberate. With each project, I add new colors to the canvas of visual storytelling, beckoning us to reflect, engage, and connect with the myriad facets of the human experience.

As a filmmaker, I’ve encountered a diverse array of opinions and criticisms. While these perspectives are invaluable, it’s equally crucial to establish personal boundaries and have confidence in your own artistic voice. These boundaries ensure the preservation of your artistic integrity while also benefiting from external insights.

In essence, the journey of a filmmaker is an intricate dance between self-assurance, creative instinct, and the art of embracing external feedback. Through this balance, we find the essence of authentic storytelling – a tale that bears the indelible mark of its creator while resonating with a wider audience.

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?
Day 1: Nature, Art, and Yummy Eats

Morning: Let’s kick off with a nature fix at Mount Wilson Trail Park for killer views.
Late Morning: Dim sum time! Lunasia in Alhambra or the cart fun at Five Star Seafood.
Afternoon: Movie buffs, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or art vibes at The Broad Museum await.
Late Afternoon: Chill at the Huntington Chinese Garden, soak in serene vibes.
Evening: Old Town Pasadena and Caltech, if we’re in the hood.
Day 2: School Tour and Food Frenzy

Morning: Campus hop at USC, UCLA, and Caltech – academic vibes on the way.
Evening: Let’s grub at ChunLaHao Chongqing Hotpot – hotpot heaven!
Day 3: Beach Chill and Shopping Thrills

Morning: Venice Beach vibes, sand, and sun – ultimate beach relaxation.
Afternoon: Canal Shopping District exploration, shopping spree time.
Bonus: Thrift Store Adventure

Sneak in a visit to Melrose thrift stores – hunt for rad second-hand shirts or bags.
This epic plan covers everything from nature to artsy adventures, academic vibes, beach fun, and even thrift store treasure hunting. Ready for an unforgettable trip together? Let’s do it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mom, who has been an unwavering pillar of support throughout my entire filmmaking journey. From day one, she championed my dream of becoming a filmmaker with unmatched enthusiasm.

I’ll never forget the pivotal moment when I was 17. My mom went above and beyond and gifted me my very first camera – a Canon 5D Mark II. Back then, and even, that camera was a gem. It was a true game-changer for me. During the summer of my sophomore year in high school, the creative itch hit me hard. I penned my first original short film screenplay and presented it to my mom. Without hesitation, she rallied behind me, urging me to bring that script to life. With her unwavering encouragement, I took mere days to prep, and before I knew it, I had my very first short film in the can. All of this, thanks to my mom’s boundless support.

She’s not your stereotypical Asian parent who’s all about grades and achievements. Nope, my mom’s a different breed altogether. What truly matters to her is my happiness. She’s been a constant source of love and encouragement, always putting my well-being and passions ahead of anything else.

Even today, her excitement and encouragement never waver whenever I pitch a new film idea to her. It’s as if her belief in me has only grown stronger with time. She’s the first to cheer me on, to see the potential in my ideas, and to motivate me to keep pushing the boundaries.

Her dedication goes beyond just words. When I’ve had films featured in festivals, my mom is right there in the audience, fully invested in celebrating my achievements. Her presence brings an added layer of significance to those moments, reminding me that I’m not just sharing my success with a crowd, but with the person who has been my rock from the very start.

Website: http://andyyili.squarespace.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-li-3b5782a5/

Image Credits
Mini Liu, Yifan Wang, Nox Yang, Yaxing Lin, Joey Cheng, Television Academy