Meet Lin (helen) Cheng | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lin (helen) Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lin (Helen), why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I think about why I chose a creative career, the answer is rooted in my desire to explore and connect with the world around me. I was born and raised in Shanghai, China, and have always been drawn to the power of stories. My path to filmmaking hasn’t been linear, but it’s been shaped by many experiences across different cultures, languages, and artistic traditions.

My creative journey began in middle school with photography. It became a way for me to express myself, capturing moments and emotions through the lens. When I moved to the United States for high school, photography took on deeper meaning—it helped me cope with homesickness and became a bridge to connect with others. One of my most memorable projects was photographing my friends, each portrait reflecting their unique backgrounds and identities. This project not only captured who they were but also helped me form lasting friendships.

While photography laid the foundation for visual storytelling, filmmaking offered a chance to bring stories to life in a more dynamic, immersive way. Filmmaking combines images, sound, movement, acting, and time to create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. I was eager to push beyond the confines of a single frame, so I decided to pursue a degree in film. At NYU Tisch School of the Arts, I gained a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of filmmaking—from producing, directing and editing to sound design and cinematography. Each project challenged me to experiment with new techniques to convey emotions and ideas that connect universally.

At Tisch, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse group of students and faculty, whose feedback and unique perspectives helped sharpen my creative vision. This community encouraged me to experiment with a wide range of genres and themes. One of the most pivotal projects I worked on was my thesis short film, The Promise of Intimacy, which I wrote and directed during my semester abroad at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU). Living in Prague was a transformative experience. The city’s rich history and culture inspired fresh approaches to my filmmaking, while its slower pace allowed me the space to experiment and reflect more deeply on my creative process.

The Promise of Intimacy tells the story of Anna, a young woman who embarks on a journey to reconnect with her estranged father, only to find that reality doesn’t meet her expectations. As she struggles to rebuild their relationship, she discovers more about herself. The film, which explores themes of reconnection and personal growth, was profoundly shaped by my time in Prague.

During my study abroad in Europe, I had the opportunity to shoot the film in Prague using a 35mm camera to enhance its visual storytelling. The process was both technical and deeply personal, as I was grappling with homesickness and a longing for connection with my own father. This emotional conflict became the heart of the film. Through Anna, I explored the complexities of a distant father-daughter relationship and her creative attempts to bridge that gap. The film’s quiet, reflective tone was shaped by Prague’s atmosphere, and it went on to premiere at the 13th Annual New York Shorts International Film Festival.

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 graduating from NYU, I chose to continue my studies in France to further develop my filmmaking skills and expand my worldview. Living here allows me to immerse myself in a new artistic environment and learn from a rich cinematic tradition. France’s deep connection to the history of cinema provides me with new insights, helping me reflect on my creative journey and explore new ways of storytelling.

Language has always been an important part of my filmmaking. In high school, I was exposed to Spanish and French, and I’m fluent in Mandarin and English. I’m also actively learning French. As I explore new languages and cultures, I’ve realized that language isn’t just for communication—it shapes how stories are told and how I see the world. Being multilingual helps me draw from different filmmaking traditions, like Western, Asian, and European cinemas. It influences how I write, direct, and edit, and it improves my ability to collaborate with people from various backgrounds. For me, language and film are inseparable. Language connects people, while film lets me express ideas and emotions that go beyond words.

Working with filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds has shown me that filmmaking is about more than just technical skill—it’s about emotions, empathy, collaboration, and a shared vision. The challenges of working in new environments have deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone to grow as an artist. These experiences continue to inspire me to push my creative boundaries, learn from others, and evolve as a filmmaker, consistently exploring new ways to tell stories that connect on a deeper level.

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.
– Chinatown (Lower Manhattan): Explore a vibrant mix of Chinese eateries, bakeries, and beverage shops.

– Downtown Brooklyn & Williamsburg: Discover trendy spots, lively bars, and unique vintage stores for one-of-a-kind finds.

– Metrograph NYC: Enjoy a curated movie experience at this iconic theater, offering a diverse film selection.

– Vintage Stores in Williamsburg & the East Village: Hunt for hidden gems at vintage shops.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, the NYU community, FAMU in Prague, and everyone who has supported and collaborated with me on this journey. Your encouragement, understanding, and unwavering support have been essential in shaping me as both an artist and a filmmaker. Each of you has helped me navigate challenges and celebrate milestones along the way.

Thanks to you, my pursuit of art and filmmaking has become not just a professional endeavor, but a deeply fulfilling experience that continues to inspire and motivate me every day.

Website: http://vimeo.com/chengl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hc._lin/

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34620452/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk