Meet Ann Zhao | Editor & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Zhao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Definitely the Passion and the Insistence. Since I was ten years old, I’ve been passionate about acting and directing. Growing up in a small town in China, this passion became my life’s purpose and led my in my life trial. Despite facing challenges, such as initially failing to secure a spot at the best film school in China, I refused to give up. Within 30 seconds, I made the decision to apply again, knowing I couldn’t live with the regret of not giving myself another chance. Similarly, when my college teacher discouraged my first directed short film, I remained undeterred. While others’ opinions mattered, I understood that true fulfillment comes from pursuing what you love, regardless of external validation. That’s why I’m now studying at AFI, one of the top film schools globally, driven by my unwavering passion and determination

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As the protagonist of my own life, it’s challenging to objectively evaluate whether my journey has been easy or difficult, but I believe no one in this world truly has an easy life. So for me, I was always treat the setbacks as small tests in life.

From a young age, I’ve harbored a passion for filmmaking, longing to use the power of cinema to share my voice with the world. Growing up in a small town presented its own set of limitations, but it never deterred my ambition. Instead, I immersed myself in anything related to film, devouring knowledge wherever I could find it. One of my earliest encounters with the world of cinema was through ‘An Actor Prepares’, written by Stanislavski. Though I may not have fully comprehended its depth at that age, it sparked a curiosity within me and laid the foundation for my journey ahead.
As I’ve matured, I’ve realized that the more I explore, the more I realize how vast and diverse the world truly is. Each discovery shapes my perspective and contributes to the person I am becoming. My passion for filmmaking has not only fueled my creative endeavors but has also sparked a fascination with cultures and perspectives beyond my own. It’s this insatiable curiosity that continues to drive me forward, propelling me towards new horizons and experiences

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.
The best spot in LA is the Norton Simon Museum! I would say the artworks in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum are among the most abundant and finest in Los Angeles museums. Besides that, the Laguna Beach, and the Treasure Island Park nearby are amazing, which are my favorite spots in LA as well !!

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?
One of my college teachers, Nuan Lu, who teaches Drama and Philosophy, has had a profound influence on me. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced a period of depression and hopelessness, especially with the prevalence of unfair events occurring in China and the sudden disappearance of voices on the Chinese internet. Encountering numerous instances of injustice further discouraged me, leading me to withdraw into my own routine life and feeling akin to a lifeless body. This state persisted for months until I attended Professor Nuan Lu’s first class. He is a remarkably passionate individual who deeply cares about justice and equality in the world. I was moved and encouraged by his fervent class, I’ll remember all the time how he passionately shouted out for Nora in ‘A Doll’s House’ (1879, written by Henrik Ibsen), how he was profoundly moved by Galileo in ‘The Life of Galileo’ (1938, written by Bertolt Brecht), and engaging in discussions on the false proposition of patriotism in ‘Romulus the Great’ (1950, written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt), he awakened within me a newfound passion for the beauty of life and literature. Additionally, his teachings sparked my interest in philosophy, expanding the horizons of my life journey and revealing to me a future filled with endless possibilities.

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