Meet Kadi Tsang | Director & Producer

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

Hi Kadi, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?

How humans connect and interact has always been the biggest inspiration for my work. I enjoy listening to everyone’s stories, especially those that offer a different perspective on situations we are familiar with, yet emotionally disconnected from. As an artist from a multicultural and multilingual background, I am often intrigued by the differences and similarities across cultures.

However, a lot of the times, these obvious differences mask what lies beneath or even deter communication. This misunderstanding or lack of the will to understand often leads to unnecessarily aggressive arguments. Seeing how art has been bringing people with different backgrounds together inspires me to contribute my part. I want to help raise awareness of important issues and give a voice to those who have often been marginalized, so that we can have a mutual understanding of one another.

I believe that art has the power to bridge cultural divides and create a sense of community. It can help us see the world through the eyes of others and understand their experiences. I want to create work that encourages them to think more deeply about the world around them, and give a voice to those who have been silenced so they can be seen and heard.

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.

Growing up in a science-oriented family, I never imagined myself becoming an artist. However, a five-day internship at a Taiwanese production company in high school opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in filmmaking. I was fortunate to be accepted to New York University, yet I was very anxious, worried that I would not be able to keep up without prior knowledge. I worked hard to learn everything I could about filmmaking, and found a supportive community of friends and professors that help me grow as a filmmaker.

After graduation, I worked as a producer for several years. I enjoyed bringing other people’s ideas to life, but I soon realized that I was missing out on the creative satisfaction of directing. I was hesitant to start, but my friends encouraged me to take the leap and direct my first short film outside of school. I was thrilled to finally be able to express myself creatively, and I knew that I had found my calling.

The major lesson I have learned is to take a chance on myself. There are many seemingly better choices in life that make everything easier and more in control. But sometimes, taking a leap can lead you to something even more satisfying. It can be scary to make big changes when things are already set in place. If you feel the urge to try something new, find the courage to take the first step. It doesn’t have to be a big step or putting everything behind at once. Yet, you might be surprised by all the different possibilities that open up when you take a chance.

I am now a director and producer, and I am passionate about using my art to tell stories. I am still on my journey, and I know that I have much to learn. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

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 have been traveling extensively between the East and West Coasts this year, and I am currently based in Seattle. Seattle is a majestic city that offers a perfect balance between nature and urban life.

If my friend happens to be in town visiting, I would definitely take them go-karting at Pacific Raceways. This is where I first experienced outdoor go-karting, and it was an exhilarating experience. The karts are lightning-fast and the track is challenging, the race is always thrilling.

Afterwards, we would head to Chicken Supply for some of the city’s best fried chicken. The wings are crispy and savory on the outside, and juicy and flavorful on the inside. The flavor is unlike any other fried chicken I have had.

Another restaurant that we should visit is Dick’s Drive-In. It is the Washington State version of In-N-Out, with its own unique taste. The burgers are tasty and affordable with their unique sauce, and the fries are thin and crispy.

If my friend is visiting during the summer, I would also take them for a hike or kayaking. There are many magnificent trails and lakes in Washington State that are easily accessible. We would also go crabbing, fishing, and clam digging. Then cook the catch ourselves and enjoy a delicious seafood feast. And if they are visiting during the winter, I would take them skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby mountains.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are many people who have offered tremendous help throughout my journey, and I am so fortunate to have such supportive family, friends, and colleagues. I would like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to my mentors and colleagues, especially those who have not been mentioned on Shoutout LA yet.

I am grateful for the opportunities and guidance from Yemane Demissie, Christina Dehaven, Aaron Ke, Fan He, Nuer Taqa, and William Kwok, especially in my early days when I first stepped foot in the industry. I am also very thankful to all my co-workers and friends who have been alongside me, working on countless projects together to make ideas come true. This includes Katusha Jin, Uran, Yutong Xie, Michael Cong, Lihui WongSha, Paddy Ma, Amy Tiong, Sylvan Gu, Brian Peng, and Anson Ao.

I am truly grateful for the many people who have helped me along the way, even though they have not been mentioned specifically here. I know that I could not have achieved what I have without the help of all these amazing people, and to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them. They all played a significant role in my journey, and I am very thankful for their support and guidance.

Website: https://www.kadi-tsang.com/

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

Image Credits
Branton Choi Katusha Jin Michael Cong Ryan Christopher Lee Anson Ao