Meet Carri Chen | Filmmaker

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

Hi Carri, how do you think about risk?
A mentor once told me, “If a decision or situation scares you, it means you’re doing something right.” This statement has stuck with me and often sparks courage when I’m faced with a difficult decision. As a first-generation immigrant in a large family of mostly entrepreneurs, I’ve always felt like I’m on a path of resistance for pursuing a creative career. The expectations of my generation didn’t allow me the liberty to pursue such a path; instead, I was expected to establish a foundation for the generations after me. My cousins would say, “The arts are only for rich families,” implying that maybe our children could dream of such pursuits if we worked hard enough for them. Ironically, their decisions to become entrepreneurs also seem very “risky” to me.

There’s something about the Eastern mindset that fosters a collective way of thinking rather than an individualistic one. So, pushing the envelope and being who I am feels like a risk in itself. This feeling has been with me for so long that I now view “risk” as simply making decisions. Everything we do involves risks, and every single day we’re making decisions. We’re constantly at crossroads, and sometimes we just need to be reminded that things will work out, one way or another.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Carri, and I’m a filmmaker and multi-media artist with a creative drive and voice that come from the Asian diaspora, deeply inspired by my family’s journey. Many of my works are love letters to them, much like Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. Through my art, I strive to make beautiful and authentic memories visible, giving a voice to our understated immigrant parents who grappled with language barriers. My themes often revolve around survival and freedom, reflecting the resilience and strength of the generation before me. It’s my way of loving back and connecting with a community that can relate to these stories.

I have written two pilot scripts, two feature films, and a dozen short films, many of which are inspired by the Asian-immigrant experience.

The path to where I am today has not been easy. There have been cycles of motivation and deflation. Many artists advise staying consistent and true to your own voice, and remembering that it’s okay if that voice evolves over time, as we all do. During a period when I sought advice from numerous mentors and colleagues in the industry, one important lesson I learned was to be kind and take everything we hear and witness with a grain of salt. Overcoming challenges has been a significant part of my journey. Accepting myself as a creative was difficult, even with numerous accomplishments. The constant support of my long-time partner and business partner has been invaluable. They’ve shown me the importance of resilience, belief in oneself, and the power of collaboration.

What sets me apart is my dedication to telling stories that honor my family’s legacy and connect with a broader community. I aim to capture the strength and resilience of immigrant experiences, creating art that resonates deeply and authentically.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are rooted in a deep appreciation for my heritage and a commitment to telling authentic stories. My work is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural gaps and creating connections. I strive to be a voice for those who have been underrepresented and to continue growing as a creative, always staying true to my evolving voice.

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.
If my best friend was visiting Toronto and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would highly recommend them visiting in September during TIFF. The festival always breathes life into the King Street area, and the bustling festival street sparks a different type of energy in the city. Intertwined with TIFF activities, I’d also recommend checking out Kensington, especially during their monthly Sunday markets where local artists and vendors occupy the streets with pedestrians strolling by and showing their support. Kensington is also a must-visit for thrift shop advocates, churro lovers, and empanada enthusiasts. There are many coffee shops in the area that I can recommend for caffeine fanatics.

Another great area to explore is the Ossington Strip between Dundas and Queen Street, close to Trinity Bellwoods Park, where I grew up. There’s a neighborhood pizzeria serving New York-style pizza slices called Pizzeria Badiali that is a must-have for pizza lovers. There’s usually a lineup, so I typically go at odd hours, like around 2 PM for a late lunch. My favorite ice cream parlor, Bang Bang, is also on the Ossington Strip, just a five-minute walk from Badiali, offering many unique flavors. Trinity Bellwoods Park is nearby, and sometimes I enjoy spending a couple of hours there just people-watching.

For a day trip, I recommend visiting Centre Island, which is just a short ferry ride away. From the island, you can see the full Toronto cityscape, and many people take their engagement photos there. You can also rent a bike and ride along the island (or even island hop). This trip offers a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city while still providing stunning views and plenty of activities.

There’s definitely a lot more to do that I haven’t mentioned, but this is a good starter itinerary to experience some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting people, places, and things that Toronto has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people to thank in my journey who’ve helped shape who I am. With every project and every year, I’m constantly growing a little more. I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for about five years now, and it took me a while to accept myself as a creative, even with multiple exhibitions, film festivals, and produced work under my belt.

My biggest fan and long-time partner has always been there to cheer me on and has witnessed every step of my journey. As a constant cheerleader, he’s tirelessly accepted who I am and is always happy to bounce ideas around with me. He’s been there from day one and has been my rock.

Another person I have to thank is my business partner, who has shown me resilience, belief, and immense talent. We’ve been long-time collaborators, and we’re constantly pushing one another to grow. Her creativity and dedication have been instrumental in many of our projects’ successes. She’s always there to offer a fresh perspective, challenge my ideas, and support our shared vision. Her unwavering belief in our work has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me. Together, we’ve built a partnership based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for our craft. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and her innovative problem-solving skills have been invaluable, making her an essential part of our team and my journey.

Website: https://www.carrichen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chensquared__/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carri-chen/