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

Hi Shuqi, what principle do you value most?
I believe that responsibility is the most important value. Responsibility shapes how we approach every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. For me, it is about being accountable for my actions and decisions, both in moments of success and in times of challenge.

Having a strong sense of responsibility means taking ownership of not just outcomes, but the process that leads to those outcomes. It means being reliable—someone others can trust and depend on, whether in a team setting, in collaboration, or in personal relationships.

In filmmaking, responsibility is crucial. As a filmmaker, every decision you make affects the cast, crew, budget, and ultimately the final product. You’re responsible not only for managing projects but for ensuring that everyone feels respected and valued during the creative process. In my life, this value pushes me to work harder, remain ethical, and ensure that my work has a positive impact on those involved.

Being responsible also means being mindful of the larger world. It’s about realizing that the choices I make, both professionally and personally, have a ripple effect, whether on the people around me or society as a whole.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I wouldn’t say I stand apart from others—I’m just a regular filmmaker based in Los Angeles, doing what I love. One thing I am proud and excited about, however, is having had the chance to study filmmaking in Hollywood and create several short films. Through these films, I’ve been able to express emotions and ideas that matter to me.

As a female director, it’s important to me that my work gives women a voice. It feels empowering to contribute to this through my art, and I’m proud of the stories I’ve been able to share so far.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. Moving to a completely new place like Hollywood, with its different language, people, and industry norms, was overwhelming. The challenges were huge, but since I chose this path, I’ve never regretted it. One of the toughest experiences was during the pre-production of my thesis short film. Many actors rejected my script, mistaking it for something inappropriate, which was discouraging. But I didn’t give up. With the help of feedback from those around me, I revised the script and eventually completed the film successfully. It’s now ready for submission to film festivals!

One of the most rewarding moments was screening my short film at our graduation ceremony. Hearing an audience member say they loved it was incredibly moving and gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward. I want more people to see my work and connect with the stories I’m telling.

I’ve learned that there’s no obstacle too big to overcome. You just have to keep going and prove to yourself, and everyone else, that you can do it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d definitely want to give them a full experience of what LA has to offer. Here’s how I’d plan the itinerary:

Day 1: Beach Day We’d start by soaking up the sun at Manhattan Beach or Malibu. These beaches are iconic—perfect for a relaxing day by the water, some beach volleyball, or surfing. Afterward, we could grab a meal at a seaside café in Malibu and watch the sunset.

Day 2: Hollywood Adventure A visit to LA isn’t complete without exploring Hollywood! We’d stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and snap a picture with the famous Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park. For the evening, we’d watch a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre or the Cinerama Dome.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration The Getty Center is a must-visit for any art lover. The stunning architecture, art collections, and gardens make it one of the best museums in LA. Afterward, we could visit Downtown LA, where we’d check out The Broad Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Day 4: Food and Drinks No trip to LA is complete without trying In-N-Out Burger—it’s a must for the classic LA experience! Since I’m originally from China, I’d also take my friend to San Gabriel Valley, known for its amazing Chinese cuisine. We’d enjoy a feast of dim sum, noodles, or hot pot. And for dessert? Definitely boba from one of the many great spots in San Gabriel.

Day 5: Nature and Views We’d take a hike up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. For the rest of the day, we could explore Runyon Canyon or visit Echo Park Lake to paddle boat around.

Day 6: Shopping and Sightseeing For some retail therapy, we’d head to The Grove or Rodeo Drive for luxury shopping. We’d also stroll through Venice Beach to see the street performers and murals.

Day 7: Final Day Out We’d wrap up the trip with a chill day in Santa Monica, taking in the pier, enjoying some rides, and trying food from the various stalls. A sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant would end the trip perfectly.

LA is a diverse city, and the food, beaches, cultural landmarks, and iconic sights make it a perfect destination for a mix of relaxation and adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to two incredibly important pillars in my life: my boyfriend, Ray, and my parents. Their support and influence have played a major role in my growth, both personally and professionally.

Ray has been my rock over the past year. Not only has he supported me emotionally, but he has also been a crucial mentor in my journey as a filmmaker. We’ve collaborated on two projects together, and his insightful advice has helped me improve in so many areas, from technical skills to leadership. Ray’s encouragement to stay calm and focused during challenging times has been invaluable. He taught me to communicate openly and directly, which has transformed the way I work in teams and approach problem-solving.

My parents also deserve immense credit for their unwavering support. From a young age, they encouraged my creativity and believed in my dreams, even when they involved something as ambitious as pursuing filmmaking in Hollywood. Their willingness to let me follow my passion by studying abroad has been life-changing, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Without their backing, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

These are the people who have shaped me into the person I am, and I owe so much of my journey and success to their constant love, guidance, and belief in me.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15126153/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuqiyan__?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Image Credits
Rui Dong, Weijie Liu, Gaojie Wang, Tianrun Shi, Bella Chen

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