Meet Ruei-Ci Jhou | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruei-Ci Jhou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruei-Ci, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, art serves as a unique form of language. Just as people need language to converse, express themselves, and communicate effectively, art holds significant importance in our daily lives. Growing up in Taiwan within a traditional family, where parenting was often indirect and reserved, learning to express myself became a significant endeavor.

In such a traditional setting, a cultural atmosphere of silence and reservation prevailed. Initially, I attributed my difficulty in communicating with others to this environment. However, I came to realize that when one door closes, another opens. While verbal expression might not be my forte, I found strength in observation and interpretation. I became adept at reading the unspoken cues, understanding the dynamics between individuals, and discerning emotions beneath the surface.

One of the most cherished aspects of my life has been my relationship with my grandparents. Observing them daily became a source of inspiration. Captivated by their silent yet profound bond, I embarked on creating a documentary featuring my grandparents. Despite the minimal dialogue, the film exuded immense love, illustrating that expressions of affection need not always be verbal. The documentary received considerable acclaim upon its presentation, affirming my belief in the power of visual storytelling.

Through this experience, I discovered my preferred method of expression. While traditional language may not be my strength, visual arts and filmmaking provide me with a platform where I feel confident and comfortable. It is through these mediums that I can effectively convey what I cherish, seek, and wish to communicate to the world.

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.

My college major wasn’t in cinematography or filmmaking; rather, I pursued animation. However, I found that my hand-drawn animation skills weren’t exceptional, and more importantly, it didn’t resonate with what I truly wanted to do. Despite this, my passion for the entertainment industry remained strong. It was during various internships that I stumbled upon the world of filmmaking, and I was immediately drawn to the process, particularly the intricacies of camera work.

I began actively seeking out opportunities in the film industry, focusing on roles related to camera work. Initially, I lacked confidence, as I had never received formal training before coming to the States. However, I soon realized that cinematography is essentially another form of visual expression. Just as painters use brushes, cinematographers wield light and shadow to paint frames.

Through relentless practice, my confidence has grown, although I would hesitate to call myself entirely confident. Working in the film industry presents unique challenges; each project is different, with its own story, locations, and crew. Adapting to new teams or productions can be draining, and there are times when exhaustion sets in. However, the satisfaction I derive from seeing the results of my work, even if it’s just a slight improvement from the last shot, keeps me motivated.

Finding a balance between being a cinematographer and navigating the challenges of the industry is an ongoing struggle. I don’t claim to have all the answers for dealing with these difficulties, but I do know that my passion for filmmaking far outweighs any fatigue or challenges I may face. I am willing to confront these challenges head-on, driven by my unwavering passion for the craft.

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 believe the first step is to equip my friends with a film camera, marking the beginning of our journey. Los Angeles, being one of the largest film cities in the world, offers endless opportunities for exploration and creativity. While it may not have the bustling streets of New York City, the city is still abuzz with life and activity.

Personally, I find solace in visiting places like the farmers’ market or flea markets. However, my favorite spot to unwind is Griffith Park. Unlike the crowded Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park offers a tranquil environment where one can slow down, observe people, and sketch. Sketching in a city is a thrilling experience for me. There’s no pressure to be perfect; instead, I simply draw what I see. Sometimes it turns out whimsical or melancholic, but it always reflects my mood and the thoughts swirling in my mind. It’s a fascinating process that adds depth to my experiences in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My aunt has been an important figure in my life. Amidst my parents’ busy schedules and their distant relationship, it was my aunt who played a significant role in shaping my upbringing. As a child, I recall spending the majority of my time with my grandparents and my aunt. While my grandparents instilled in me the belief in the enduring power of love, it was my aunt who ignited my curiosity and thirst for exploration.

Though she may appear ordinary to others, to me, my aunt is akin to a vast library, bridging our small town to the wider world beyond. She possesses a hunger for knowledge, often tuning in to educational radio programs and eagerly sharing newfound insights and global happenings with me. In moments when my parents were busy, she would whisk me away to museums and libraries, fostering within me a lifelong pursuit of answers to my myriad questions.

More than just broadening my intellectual horizons. Through her, I began to yearn for experiences beyond the confines of Taiwan – to explore bustling cities and distant shores. She exemplified a non-traditional Asian woman, serving as a beacon of independence, resilience, and boundless curiosity. In the tapestry of my upbringing, my aunt’s influence stands out as a vibrant thread, weaving together a narrative of exploration, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Website: https://cineloverj.myportfolio.com/rj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koda55688/

Other: https://vimeo.com/914627278?share=copy

Image Credits
Ruei-Ci Jhou, Harry Chan