Meet Jassy Yuan | Filmmaker & Lightworker
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jassy Yuan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jassy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve chosen to pursue a path in art and creativity because I see it as a universal language, akin to telepathy among souls. The beauty of art lies in its intuitive understanding, its ability to resonate across time and space, and its power to forge deep connections between strangers through their expressions. This is a profound form of communication that transcends spoken language, where art alone can unite like-minded souls amidst the vast crowds. I believe the arts and creative fields are the sole avenues through which we can find our “soul tribe” on this planet—those who comfort and understand us on a spiritual level. I yearn to express my innermost thoughts and connect with others on a spiritual plane, hoping to inspire and improve the world in this way.
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.
I am a filmmaker and a spiritual mystic. If I had to succinctly define myself with labels, these two would undoubtedly be the most distinctive and representative.
From a young age, I felt an absence of novelty in life, often seen as an old soul, uninterested in the mundane aspects of life and finding little meaning in most things. This changed dramatically in college when I stumbled upon micro-film production. It ignited my passion for everything about filmmaking—from scripting and production to editing—fueling a rare, incessant love for the process. Despite experiencing profound despair and trauma, which almost led me to leave this world, filmmaking saved me. It gave me dreams to fulfill, stories to tell, and a desire to collaborate with talented individuals. It made me want to explore, achieve, and give back without regrets.
Consequently, I decisively shifted from a major in administrative management to filmmaking, starting from scratch in a field without a formal educational background in my home country. I opted to self-learn and move to the U.S., the epicenter of the film industry, for advanced studies. Despite facing immense challenges like cultural differences, creative anxieties, and intense self-doubt, I never considered giving up; instead, I transformed these pressures into motivation. It felt like a salted fish sprouting wings and soaring into an expansive sky.
Recently in a career planning class, when asked why I chose to be a filmmaker, I simply responded, “because there’s lots of fun,” which elicited laughter. But for me, who rarely feels joy, saying this was significant. John Lennon once said he wanted to be happy when he grew up; when told he didn’t understand the question, he replied that the questioner didn’t understand life.
Regarding spirituality, I avoid unnecessary mystification. I believe everyone is divine, as we are all multi-dimensional beings. The universe, a collective consciousness, manifests everything, including us. Our physical bodies are just tools for the soul in this 3D experience. Essentially, life is like a movie, and I often marvel at how filmmaking and spirituality elegantly dance together in my life. My personal mantra, “Filmmaker is God,” reflects this belief. Just as God shapes our lives, filmmakers craft stories, playing a godlike role.
Combining this spiritual insight with my film work forms the foundation of my uniqueness. It’s through embracing the universal truth that “We are One” and focusing on exploring my inner universe that I can express the sincerest form of art. Looking forward, I aim to infuse my unique perspective into my films, offering viewers a new way to perceive and understand the world.
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 friends visit LA, I’d definitely take them to these must-see places:
1. Hollywood Attractions: We’ll start with iconic spots like the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and various museums. These are not just famous landmarks, but they resonate deeply with my career in the film industry. In the evening, we’ll head to Griffith Observatory to catch a breathtaking night view of the city, reminiscent of a scene straight out of La La Land.
2. Beaches: Next, we’ll hit the beautiful beaches of LA. I’ll take them to Manhattan Beach first—it’s a local favorite known for its quaint shops, stunning street views, and clean, inviting waters and sands. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely day, enjoying a delicious brunch and coffee. As the day winds down, we’ll visit the famous Santa Monica Pier to catch a sunset.
3. Abbot Kinney Boulevard: This area is incredibly unique! Before visiting, I didn’t realize LA had a fashionable, walkable shopping district akin to Manhattan. With its array of clothing stores and diverse cuisines, you could easily spend two days here. It’s also close to the beach, lined with tall palm trees, where you might just stumble upon a gorgeous sunset.
4. Hiking Adventures: If they’re up for more, I’ll drive them to Malibu or the northern mountains for some hiking. Enjoying a one or two-hour drive along Highway 1, listening to music and chatting while soaking in the coastal views is a treat. We’ll do a simple hike at Point Dume, where the expansive views are reminiscent of the Cape of Good Hope—a perfect setting to converse with nature and truly unwind.
5. Exploring Chinese Cuisine: To top off the Western lifestyle experiences, as a Chinese, I’ll also take them to the expansive Chinese districts to explore authentic cuisines. The restaurants, established by older generations of Chinese immigrants, often surpass even those back in China in flavor. Strolling through Chinatown, we’ll experience how our culture thrives and rejuvenates in a foreign land, growing uniquely on different soil.
These curated spots offer a blend of Hollywood glamour, scenic beauty, and cultural depth, ideal for giving friends a comprehensive taste of LA.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I owe a profound shoutout to someone who truly deserves recognition. It’s a friend from my middle school days, a time when the internet was still grappling with 3G and streaming platforms were yet to revolutionize our digital world. Back then, the realm of celebrities seemed a distant, untouchable world to an ordinary teenager like me.
This friend, a girl enamored with the allure of K-pop, held a steadfast dream of becoming a singer. Her resolve only deepened after a trip to South Korea, leading her to silently pursue auditions held by Korean entertainment companies in China. While we all knew of her aspirations, belief in her success was scarce, and mockery, sadly, was not. Yet, against the odds, she made it—within two years, a Korean agency took her on, and she moved to Korea to begin her grueling journey as a trainee.
Despite our doubts and the overwhelming odds she faced in a country that molds countless trainees annually, she not only debuted but soared to become a top member of her girl group. She now tours globally, her concerts a beacon for thousands of fans worldwide. Last year, I managed to reconnect during her tour stop in the U.S. We spoke briefly backstage, and in that moment, it was as if no time had passed. The same dynamic that defined our earlier friendship was alive and well; her authenticity, bravery, and kindness shone through, untouched by the glitz of stardom.
Reflecting on the decade that has passed, I am struck by the immense personal sacrifices and challenges she overcame in solitude, earning every bit of her success. Her journey has profoundly inspired me, bolstering my own courage to pursue my dreams in filmmaking. I am convinced now more than ever that with a true heart and relentless spirit, I too can illuminate the world with my stories.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jassyyuan___?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Francis Kong, Annine Zhang, Roger Lin
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