Meet Ji Lee | Director & Editor & Photographer

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

Hi Ji, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I believe artists are born with big hearts, too big to carry around. So they need to pull out a piece of their heart, make an art with it, and send it out to the world. That’s why they keep creating art. And I think that’s why I chose to be an artist. I was born with a huge heart; I’m not better than anyone, but I have always had so many feelings and thoughts in me since I was very young. Whenever I look into someone’s eyes, I feel like I feel what they feel, especially their pain and sadness. I was always absorbing others’ and my own emotions and pondering on them. Some pains, some stories, were too big, they shook my whole world. I felt a strong urge to share their stories, and capture the pain and the beauty of their lives. And that’s how I started writing, photographing, and now making films.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a film director and an editor. I also like to tell stories and share messages through the medium of photography. The stories I tell revolve around women, queer, and social minorities.

There are so many incredible filmmakers and artists who inspire me and humble me every day. And everyone has their specialties and styles, which is what makes the art/film industry so diverse and endlessly fascinating.

My strength lies in capturing and delivering emotions in the most delicate and gentle way. Because I am sensitive and keen on people’s emotions, I have been able to express and deliver authentic, powerful emotions that are not necessarily easy to be told visually. Many mainstream media dramatize, externalize, and simplify emotions to gain a bigger audience’s empathy. However, I believe there is a spectrum of emotions and thoughts that are not talked about, that are not even processed. And those matter just as much, or even more, because they are often tied to moral conundrums that lie in the grey area; I feel the most joy when I can capture a feeling or thought that even the character or audience themselves cannot articulate.

This delicacy and sensitivity are what differentiates me as an editor. Once I have my hands on the keyboard, I can step into the characters’ shoes, be in the same room they are in, and absorb the situation and surroundings. I try to feel everything they feel, and then I gauge what the scene is really about, and what we should focus on. I believe what drives a scene is the emotion or character of that scene, and therefore understanding the characters and their emotions is the core of editing.

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 like traveling as if I’m living in that city, rather than touring and visiting. So if my friend visits, I would try to give that experience.
I would first take them to San Juan Capistrano. It’s a beautiful city preserved in time; I feel like time stops when I’m there. There is a campsite facing a magnificent beach. If you sit by the beach, the grand waves echo in your heart, and the cool night breeze will freshen you and make you feel like you were born yesterday. There are authentic, delicious restaurants in the town as well.

Then, I would take them to my apartment balcony. My balcony is lit warm and dim and has artificial grass on it. I would bring cold beer out, lie on the grass, and overlook the Griffith observatory, look at the stars, read, talk, drink some more, and chat.

A stroll at the Silverlake/echo park area on a sunny day, a picnic by the Hollywood sign, and a rooftop cinema are also on my list.

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?
Ever since I have decided to pursue art and film, it has been a rocky road. Countless nights I was doubting myself, my capabilities, and my talent. Some days my room would never be lit. And during those times, my dear colleagues have become my light. I am beyond grateful to have befriended talented filmmakers and be able to hold each other’s hands and walk through the uncertainties and dark times. They believed in me even when I could not believe in myself.

Also, the professors I’ve met at USC have taught me so much. Professor John Watson has been there for me from the very beginning. He was the professor who interviewed me for admission. Even though I barely had any experience in filmmaking, he believed in me. And throughout the three years, he has always supported me as a filmmaker and believed in my vision. Knowing that there is someone who sees you as who you are and cares for the art you make changes your perspective; Thanks to his presence, I was able to be braver, take risks, and challenge myself.

Also, I had the honor to have Jason Rosenfield as my first editing professor. He changed the perspective I approach editing; he taught me that editing is an invisible art where a story truly comes to life. He also taught me to leave my ego by the door when entering an editing room. Thanks to him, I am still infatuated with editing and hope to follow in his footsteps.

Instagram: instagram.com/chicchic.ll

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jileeblue/

Image Credits
anya jimenez @anya.g.j ji lee @chicchic.ll