Meet Emily Qiu | Film Writer & Director

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

Hi Emily, why did you pursue a creative career?
I grew up in a small Chinese city, where my family’s focus was firmly on the finance industry. This environment naturally set a path for me to follow in their footsteps. However, my story took a different turn, starting when I fell in love with films in middle school. They were more than entertainment; they were my windows to diverse cultures and ideas, shaping my perspective significantly.

Despite the expectation from my family, my heart was leaning towards something more creative. This led me to study architecture design in Australia for my undergraduate degree. Architecture wasn’t an easy journey for me. I struggled, but these challenges were invaluable, teaching me resilience and fostering a creative mindset. Moreover, studying abroad was a horizon-expanding experience, exposing me to new ideas and ways of thinking.

Even as I pursued architecture, my love for movies never waned. They continued to inspire and influence me deeply. This passion endured through my Master’s in Architecture and into my professional architecture life in Sydney. However, there was always a part of me that felt unfulfilled, yearning for something more aligned with my true passion.

The turning point came with the onset of the pandemic. The world slowed down, and so did my life, giving me space for introspection. It was during this period of reflection and pause that I realized I had to follow my true calling. The thought of not pursuing film felt like a future regret. So, I took the leap, quitting my job to make my first short film, ‘Paper Hawk,’ during the epidemic. This step was taken with the smallest crew but the largest of ambitions.

Following this, I got accepted into study directing at Chapman in U.S so I moved to the States, a decision that felt like stepping into a new world. The past, looking back, seems like a tale of two lives. One where I was following a path laid out for me, and the other where I carved my own path, driven by my passion for film. It’s a journey formed by these two paths that has shaped me into the artist I am today, teaching me the importance of following one’s heart but also appreciate all the stops I’ve taken before.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before embarking on the path to film school, I was initially concerned about my background. Coming from an architecture program with no film education, I was concerned that I would have challenges learning and adapting to this new field. However, as I learned more about the world of filmmaking, I realized that my unique experience was an asset, not a hindrance.

My background in architecture, which seamlessly blends rational and emotional thinking, art and science, has been instrumental in my filmmaking. It has fostered both my aesthetic sensibilities and my ability to apply certain discipline to creative endeavors. This blend of creativity and precision has proved invaluable in making movies where every detail matters.

In addition, living in three different countries – China, Australia and the United States – has greatly enriched my perspective. This exposure to diverse cultures and lifestyles not only broadened my worldview, but also injected a unique flavor into my filmmaking. The stories I tell in my movies are conceived from these rich 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.
I’m based in Orange, just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, but it’s like stepping into a different world here. When friends visit, I love taking them to ‘Rye Goods’ for breakfast – their toast is a must-try. Then we usually spend some time exploring the local vintage stores, hunting for unique second-hand clothes and jewelry. It’s a great way to soak in the town’s charm. In the afternoon, a scenic drive to Newport Beach is always on the agenda, perfect for some sun, sea, and breathtaking sunsets. For dinner, we often head to Irvine. ‘Laomatou Hotpot’ is our favorite spot for authentic Chinese hot pot. It’s these little gems and the laid-back vibe of Orange that really make it special for me and my friends.

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?
First, I owe a heartfelt thanks to my parents. Our journey together wasn’t without its challenges, especially when it came to understanding and accepting my shift from a more traditional career path to a creative one. But once they came around, their support became my rock.

Another pillar of support in my life has been my partner, Todd Zhou. Todd’s unwavering support has been a constant through various phases of my journey. His support went beyond mere words; when I decided to apply to schools in the U.S. and move here for further studies, Todd was right there with me, making the significant life change together.

In addition, I owe a huge thank you to all the incredible filmmakers I”ve worked with alongside the journey. A special mention to James Cui, the director of cinematography for my first short film ‘Paper Hawk.’ James has been an invaluable friend and has given me a great deal of guidance and confidence at a time when I just started and basically knew nothing about filmmaking.

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