Meet Shiouwen Hong | Documentary Filmmaker

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

Hi Shiouwen, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Creating work with intention is one principle I hold dear at heart. This guides my vision and gives me confirmation when I question myself. It creates a portal for me to reach and connect with people beyond words and distances. When my work is met with my intention and touches someone, it empowers them and motivates me to do more. It is a full circle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a documentary filmmaker, born in Taiwan and now based in LA. My career started as a motion graphic designer and animator. When I decided to pursue directing and focus on more storytelling work, I tried all types of work to prove myself. Not to say I am not proud of the work I did, but the only motivation at the time for me was simply to gain commercial success. It didn’t work out as I hoped. Luckily that gave me time to think and ask myself – what kind of director do I want to be and what story do I truly want to tell? It didn’t take me long to discover the answer. Traveling, meeting people, learning from all walks of life has been my biggest motivation to become a director. It wasn’t easy when things didn’t work out and I doubted myself, yet it is the most rewarding step to take time and listen to your inner voice.

The film came about in 2020 in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests. I went to support the movement on Juneteenth at Leimert Park, Los Angeles. There I met Caliefah, and I was immediately captured by her smile. She started to share her stories about growing up celebrating Juneteenth with her great-grandparents, her passion in making home-made soap and becoming a woman business owner… Before I knew it, the ‘Caliefah’ doc had began.

I would say listening is what makes me and my work unique. All people want to be seen, heard, and feel they matter. Listening with curiosity and sincerity acquaints me with unique access to people’s trust and stories, such as Caliefah’s.

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.
When friends visit me in LA for the first time, I always take them to The Getty for a chill picnic in the late afternoon, and then walked around the garden for the best panoramic view of LA and Pacific Ocean at sunset. On the weekend, I love getting out in nature when I am not working, and California has the best to offer! It’s always my first choice to de-stress and reset from constantly sitting in front of the computer. I would always suggest hitting PCH and going for a hike in the Santa Monica mountains. My favorite nearby hikes are around the Topanga State park area, there are so many trail options that offer various length and difficulty levels. I’d always go in the later afternoon when the sun is less intense. In the evening, I like to take friends to local bars in my neighborhood. Townhouse in Venice beach is often my go-to spot, a former speakeasy with a low-key vibe, great drinks, plus comedy shows in the basement.

For longer visits I highly recommend getting outside the city and visiting National Parks. For me, camping is the best way to explore nature. My all-time favorite place is Sequoia National Forest. Simply looking at those giant trees humbles me. I couldn’t even begin to describe the magical energy I gain every time I visit, you just have to experience it yourself!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to all the subjects in my documentaries. To name my recent documentaries ‘Neha’ and ‘Caliefah’, I am beyond grateful for their trust in welcoming me to their homes, and the courage in sharing their vulnerabilities. They are my biggest inspiration to be a better and braver person, and most important of all, to stay truthful to my vision.

There are also many documentary filmmakers and photojournalists inspiring me to continue pushing the boundaries, advocating for the unseen, and capturing faith in the most unkind. One of them is Lynsey Addario, her photos make me think, make me feel, and make me want to do the same. Her autobiography ‘It’s What I Do’ tells the unimaginable length she went to uncover stories all over the world, including the war-torn.

‘Honeyland’ is another big inspiration of mine, a documentary shot in rural Macedonia, directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov. The film captured both the beekeeper’s rough reality and the beauty in coexisting with the nature. Both filmmakers had very limited resources when filming, yet still managed to capture the most raw and poetic story. It was really encouraging to watch.

Website: https://shiouwenhong.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shiouwenhong

Image Credits
Film stills by Shiouwen Hong