Meet Louise Yunju Chen | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Louise Yunju Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louise YunJu, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Taichung, Taiwan. Taiwan is a country that embraces diverse cultures. Growing up in a society where people maintain close relationships and treat each other kindly has shaped my deep concern for people.

My first foray into filmmaking began in high school, sparked by a competition focused on gender equality. Armed with nothing but a rented DV camera, I embarked on a solo mission – scripting, shooting, and editing a film. It was here that I discovered the power of visual narrative, the ability of a sequence of images to convey profound ideas, making a lasting impact on the viewer. This experience marked the beginning of my journey in filmmaking.

Through the lens of a camera, I love intricately crafting and presenting stories that captivate audiences through both content and form. My aspiration is to evoke empathy and drive meaningful change, contributing to a society where equality and equity flourish.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
On my journey to becoming a cinematographer, I consider myself fortunate, though the path has been far from easy. Having the support of my family to pursue a career in an industry I’m passionate about and to make a living from it is a blessing I deeply cherish.

I am a very grounded person, so I spent years working as a camera assistant to gain the on-set experience and insight before aspiring to become a decent cinematographer. Being a woman in this field has meant overcoming numerous challenges, as we often need to work twice as hard to be seen —a reality that I believe extends beyond the film industry.

The work of a camera assistant is demanding. Requiring meticulous attention to detail and highly focused during shoots. These experiences have shaped my personal style as a cinematographer, instilling in me a strong emphasis on preparation and attention to detail.

I see cinematography as a profession that balances artistry and craftsmanship. Understanding the script and aligning with the vision of the director require careful analysis and comprehension of the text to develop the corresponding visual elements. Executing the designed visuals demands experience and adaptability, both of which come only through years of rigorous training.

Creating visual content is inherently a collaborative process, making communication and interpersonal skills essential qualities. I really value these skills because every new project means working with a different team, which takes mutual understanding and flexibility. Treating one another with respect and kindness is a principle I uphold.
I particularly enjoy how cinematographers can tell stories without being confined to a specific style. Instead, the approach is determined by what best suits the script, allowing for a wide range of creative expression. I also believe that filmmaking carries a certain level of social responsibility. Films have the power to reflect societal realities and give a voice to marginalized communities, shedding light on issues that often go unnoticed.

To me, being able to capture and preserve diverse visual narratives is a profound privilege. Each frame becomes a part of a larger conversation, capable of evoking emotions, inspiring action, or fostering understanding. The ability to contribute to storytelling that not only entertains but also informs and empowers is what fuels my passion for cinematography. It’s about creating images that resonate, challenge perspectives, and, ultimately, leave a lasting impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love exploring Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Each city seems to have its own unique personality, and the diverse cultures, communities, and even individual neighborhoods all exhibit distinct styles. It feels as if a 20-minute drive to another neighborhood transports you to a completely different state. LA is also home to museums scattered throughout the city, offering endless opportunities to experience art. I usually take my friends on road trips to nearby cities, experiencing the vibrant energy of different neighborhoods, basking in California’s sunshine, and visiting the various museums along the way.

Beyond urban settings, I have a deep appreciation for America’s national parks. The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park and vice versa —these breathtaking natural wonders emphasize just how small humanity is in comparison. In fact, our existence is but a fleeting moment compared to the millennia it took for these canyons to form. Visiting national parks, standing on the land with my own two feet, and gazing at a sky full of stars untainted by light pollution often leads me to reflect deeply on the meaning of life and my personal values.

What I truly enjoy about the United States is the coexistence of urban development and natural landscapes. It’s a balance that continually inspires me, offering both the dynamic energy of city life and the humbling serenity of nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
After graduating from Chaoyang University of Technology in Taiwan, I began my career in the film and television industry. At the time, the industry was still dominated by male. In 2016, I was hired by “Hekuan Equipment Co., Ltd.,” a camera and lighting rental house based in Taipei, Taiwan. I was one of the rare female camera assistants to work in such a company in nearly a decade.

During my time at “Hekuan”, I participated in numerous high-quality and profound Taiwanese and international productions, including feature films, TV series, commercials and music videos. This experience allowed me to accumulate extensive on-set experience and gain exposure and inspiration to diverse narrative perspectives and techniques. The experience grows my perspective as a cinematographer.

I am currently a Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute, where I continue to refine my craft and deepen my storytelling expertise. I am grateful for the support from “HeKuan”, which was invaluable during my preparation for this journey.

I am thrilled to see that Taiwan’s film and television industry now has an increasing number of women working in the industry. I hope that female professionals around the world will continue to gain recognition and appreciation for their talents and contributions.

Website: https://louiseyunjuchen.weebly.com/