Meet Xingyi Jiang | Creative Producer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Xingyi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I was captivated by the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. The dream of becoming a filmmaker was born when I watched outdoor movies with my neighbors every weekend at 7 p.m. under the starry night. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the influence of my mother, a TV producer in China, which ignited my passion and interest in the film and TV industry. Watching her work and experiencing the behind-the-scenes aspects of production and live shows planted the seed of my desire to pursue a career in filmmaking, especially producing and directing.

I began to pave this path in high school at Long Island, attending one that had a studio, broadcast station, and filmmaking courses. During that period, a Super Bowl commercial I produced won 3rd place in the commercial category at the Locust Valley Film Festival, which gave me the courage to continue down this route. I was fortunate enough to pursue a filmmaking degree at UC Riverside and an MFA in Film and TV Producing at Chapman University. I met and worked with many talented creators, renowned producers, and filmmakers, and they warmly encouraged me to pursue my artistic interests.

My decision to pursue an artistic career was driven by a deep-seated belief in and passion for the transformative power of film arts. Movies uniquely combine sound, visuals, color, and emotion to create powerful narratives that resonate with people on a profound level. Through films, I can express my inner beliefs and inspirations and experience the lives of others. I have always been fascinated by how films can evoke deep emotions, provoke thought, and inspire change.

As a filmmaker, video artist, storyteller, and producer, I am passionate about creating works exploring significant themes such as social issues, mental health, life and death, and humanity. As someone who has struggled with self-doubt and self-criticism, through film, I can give voice to underrepresented communities, introduce my culture to a broader audience, and spark meaningful conversations that lead to positive social change. I pursued a career in filmmaking and producing because it allows me to merge my passion for storytelling with my desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Every project I undertake is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect with audiences, which drives me daily in my artistic journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a filmmaker and producer, my short films and photographs revolve around creating compelling narratives that touch people’s hearts, not just entertain. I tell stories about love, life and death, humanity, mental health, and culture. I owe my unique blend of experiences and perspectives to the past ten-plus years of studying abroad, my cross-cultural background, my journey from China to the United States, and my travel experiences to other countries. This diverse background allows me to bring a fresh and multifaceted approach to storytelling, enabling me to create works and identify great stories that resonate with others.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey marked by determination and resilience. Being a female filmmaker and a foreigner was far from easy, but my unwavering passion for filmmaking and photography kept me going. No matter where I go, I bring my camera and journal to capture unforgettable moments that might disappear instantly and to write down thoughts and ideas that might easily be forgotten. I faced numerous external and internal challenges, from dealing with the high expectations I set for myself to navigating the competitive nature of the industry, not to mention the effects of the pandemic and strikes in recent years. However, each hurdle taught me valuable lessons and helped me make the right decisions. Along the way, I have had the honor of collaborating with some of the most talented teams to produce award-winning short films, gaining recognition at numerous international film festivals, including WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, Cannes Short Film Corner, Shanghai International Short Week, Palm Beach International Film Festival, Another Film Festival, and more.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of staying true to one’s vision. I’ve also learned that success is not just about recognition but about my work’s impact on others and the fulfillment it brings me. I am dedicated to telling stories that matter and strive to create films that captivate audiences and inspire and provoke meaningful conversations. I am passionate about using my films to bring joy, influence, and positive change to the community.

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 highly recommend visiting the museums and studio tours in the area. Museums such as The Getty, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LACMA, the Grammy Museum, and The Broad are some places that reflect a city’s culture and personality while offering diverse knowledge and inspiration. No matter the country or city, museums are always a must-visit for me. As a movie lover, I usually bring my friends and family to famous studio tours, such as Warner Bros., Paramount, and Universal Studios. It is always a unique and unexpected experience to see some of the most well-known film sets and behind-the-scenes moments of our favorite movies and TV shows. I also recommend watching a movie or theater play at a local theater; it is the best way to experience art and relax after an intense day of sightseeing.

Last but not least, I love Disneyland and Universal Studios. If I can, I bring everyone I know to the happiest place on earth. The fireworks show at the end is always the most powerful moment for me, inspiring me to keep going and continue my life with courage and joy.

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?
No doubt, I have to shout out to my parents, who have given me unlimited support and never doubted me for a second in pursuing film and TV.

Over the past ten years, I have been lucky to be mentored and guided by many knowledgeable industry professionals. If my high school filmmaking teachers hadn’t secretly recommended our short commercial to my first-ever film festival, I wouldn’t have had the courage to choose this major. If it weren’t for the inspiring advice and encouragement from my screenwriting professor, Joshua Malkin, I wouldn’t have had the passion to continue writing more scripts and bringing them to life. I also want to thank all the crew and cast members I have worked with; the beauty of teamwork and the energy of creating something artistic always pushes me to produce more.

I want to give a special shoutout to Kevin Jones, the Chair of Graduate Programs at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Without his mentorship and teaching, I would not have developed into who I am today—not just a student producer but an independent filmmaker working towards my goals. I am also very grateful for the opportunities to work with many masterful industry professionals early in my career, which allowed me to read through numerous industry-standard scripts and gradually develop a sense of the kinds of stories that are truly valuable to share with the world.

Website: https://www.xingyi-angela-jiang.com

Image Credits
WIINWUA Crew Egg Man Crew UCLA Summer Institute