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

Hi Siwei, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I grew up in a family with a science background. I’m the only kid who studied art. I feel a lot of freedom and confidence when expressing myself through art. It also makes my life full of challenges and unexpected rewards. For filmmaking specially…a film called the Last Emperor started it, gorgeously photographed by the legend, Vittorio Storaro. I was absolutely obsessed with it, not just because of the history of my home country. I’ve never seen anything like that, so familiar but so different at the same time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I started to work as a freelance filmmaker for some time and then got into the prestigious cinematography program at America Film Institute in Los Angeles. It transformed me. I learnt some much about where to put the camera, and how to light and expose for certain latitudes, etc, but most importantly, how to tell a story visually using the tools of cinematographer.

It was a challenging path, especially when I started out here in the U.S. The very first obstacle for me as a DP was vocabulary. There were so many names for specific items which are standards in the Hollywood but are completely new to someone came from a foreign film industry…I was lucky to have worked with so many talented and generous people, some are from the U.S and some like me are internationals. We always help each others out. When I have troubles fitting in, they understood it and they were behind my back. Communication and collaboration are the best lessons that I’ve learnt along the way.

To me, cinema is an art that can discover and share the truth of human emotions. As a cinematographer, my goal is to always capture emotions through my lens and share them to the world. This year, some of my works has been selected to film festivals worldwide and won me a few cinematography awards for the first time of my career. I also just got my first feature finished. I’m more than determined to carry on and pursuit this profoundly beautiful art.

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?

I would love to bring them to so many beuatiful cinemas in L.A for screenings… Call me crazy, but not many places around the world are like here that you can watch a movie in 35mm or 70mm film and then meet your favorite filmmakers or actors at Q&As. It has been my favorite part of living in Los Angeles.

If my friends are not into film, cool, I’d strongly recommend spend some time in the nature. The sunset near the ocean is always stunning, and some hikes in the mountains could be a lot of fun. I’d also love to take them to explore different cities in the greater LA area. Pasadena, Hollywood, Korean town and West Hollywood…The diversity of cultures and food are always fascinating.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Without a doubt, it would be my family. As I mentioned before, I came from a family of engineers, chemists, and accountants…and I am that black sheep. I showed my interest in art and literature at a very young age, and I was well-protected and encouraged by them all along my path. Their understanding and support mean a whole world to me.

Website: lisiweifilm.com

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

Image Credits
Law Yuk Hong Oli Cohen

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