Meet Yalian Li | Filmmaker & Festival Programmer

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

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.
As a director, my focus is on depicting universal human struggles through the lens of dark comedies, and I’m deeply passionate about this genre. However, what truly drives my passion for filmmaking is the personal growth and self-discovery that comes from the creative process. I believe that as a filmmaker, I’m not only telling stories, but also learning about myself and the world around me.

What I’m most proud of in my journey as a filmmaker is the growth and development of my unique voice in the industry. My previous short film was distributed to Shorts TV and was selected to be shown in more than 30 festivals. This achievement has given me the confidence and motivation to continue pursuing my passion for creating thought-provoking content that challenges social norms and explores taboo topics through the lens of humor. By sparking meaningful conversations and promoting positive change, I hope to make an impact in the world of filmmaking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the day by having breakfast at one of the many delicious Korean spots in Koreatown, like Kobawoo House, and then head over to the famous Wi Spa for a relaxing experience. After that, we would visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and explore the exhibits.

For lunch, we would head to Grand Central Market to try some of the best food in LA, like tacos or falafel. In the afternoon, we would visit the Getty Center to admire the art collection and gardens, and in the evening, we would explore the nightlife of downtown LA or catch a game at the Staples Center.

We could end the day with dinner at a trendy spot in Silver Lake or Hollywood, and then continue to explore iconic landmarks and museums throughout the week. LA has so much to offer, from its diverse food scene to its world-class art and entertainment, and I would love to show my best friend the best of what this city has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to two groups of people who have been instrumental in my success. Firstly, my parents, who have always been my biggest supporters in life. Despite not having any background or interest in the film industry or the arts, they have fully backed me in pursuing my passion. Their unwavering support has given me the courage and motivation to keep going.

Secondly, I want to give a shoutout to Mike Fink and Derek Horne. Mike Fink was my mentor during my time at USC, and his guidance and advice have been invaluable in shaping my career. He has always been there to provide me with the best insights and perspectives.

Derek Horne, on the other hand, has been a tremendous help in navigating the festival process and promoting my work. His encouragement and support have meant the world to me, and I couldn’t have achieved what I have without him.

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