Meet Junru Zhang | Filmmaker, Curator, Founder of WhimLens

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

Hi Junru, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Because it allowed me to be whimsical, weird, and bold.

I grew up in a small town in Southwest China, small enough to get a unanimous response if you asked people the definition of “a good job”. It would be excluded from uncertainty and risk, ensuring a stable but mediocre lifestyle. Conforming to the norm seemed safest, with invisible pressures urging compliance. But adventure called to me; I couldn’t accept “it is what it is” and often wondered “what if…”. This sometimes frustrated those around me who valued conformity.
Literature, films, and music became my sanctuary. They showed me that every story is worth telling and that a weird idea could become innovative art. These mediums encouraged exploration and uniqueness. My closest friendships were forged through sharing our visions and wild dreams. I decided to follow my passion for films, finding joy in creativity. I founded WhimLens Studio as a creative collective to bring together filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

My roles span from film curator to producer, all dedicated to connecting amazing stories with audiences. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my choice.

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.
After years of questioning what kind of art I wanted to create and understanding my discipline, I realized I wanted to incorporate therapeutic purpose into my writings. I’ve made several short films and completed a feature-length film script. Humor plays a crucial role in my work, acting as a gentle force that can transform intense moments into laughable satire. In real life, if embarrassing or sad things happen, we say that if you can laugh at them, you’re over them. This idea also applies to creative work; being able to laugh gives us a sense of dignity. That’s why I want my audience to laugh, though the humor I aim for is nuanced. I’m not suggesting we deconstruct all seriousness to make it harmless. Instead, when something absurd happens, making a joke about it first can help us regain our courage.

At the same time, I don’t shy away from presenting tough moments in my narratives because my audience lives in a reality that includes tragedy. I strive to be honest and genuine, acknowledging that pain is sometimes inevitable. Recognizing the unfair and tragic parts of life can help assure and heal those who face them.

However, staying productive, especially during the pandemic, was challenging. It was a collective trauma for our generation. Stuck at home, unable to continue my film projects, I felt disconnected from the world and my creativity stalled. Mundane worries took over.

Yet again, film became my sanctuary. A great film offered a temporary escape from mundane life, allowing me to forget myself and immerse in another world. It was a transcendent experience. When the pandemic eased, I invited friends to watch films together, sparking the idea to share these films with more people.

I founded WhimLens with like-minded friends, starting on campus and in artistic spaces to showcase the films that once healed us. Everywhere we went, we received warm responses and had meaningful conversations. The film-going experience can be therapeutic, and interacting with audiences afterward is always uplifting. I feel grateful for this opportunity every day.

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 a filmmaker based in New York City, and it’s truly a haven for cinephiles. I highly recommend visiting the city for a film culture pilgrimage. We could start with a leisurely stroll through Central Park, then head to Lincoln Center to check out their ongoing film programs. We’d end the night in a nearby jazz club, soaking in the city’s vibrant music scene.

The next day, we could explore downtown Manhattan, visiting independent cinemas like Film Forum and IFC Center. We’d grab brunch at Buvette, and afterward, discuss the cultural icons of Greenwich Village and East Village as we walk through their historic streets.

We couldn’t miss Brooklyn’s film scene, known for its stunning views and artistic vibe. Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza would be a treat before heading to Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, a dine-in theater showing a mix of new releases and classic films.

We’d save the best for last: Chinatown. This historic neighborhood preserves much of old Manhattan’s charm and stories, including those of notorious New York gangsters. We’d visit Metrograph, a theater featuring classic Chinese films and other wonderful repertories. The food options are diverse, from traditional dim sum to fusion-style Chinese cuisine. At last, a visit to Ang Lee’s favorite, Taiwan Pork Chop House, would be a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my friends & WhimLens fellows,

Without your unwavering support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be able to make it here. Your belief in my vision and dedication to our shared passion for film have been invaluable. Thank you for standing by me through every challenge and celebrating every success. This journey wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyzhang_42/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-zhang-multimedia-creator

Image Credits
Fuyi Bao
Ziyan Yang
Yilin Xing