Meet Yang Fei | Film Producer

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

Hi Yang, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to the art of storytelling, a passion that ignited in me as early as kindergarten. Winning a storytelling competition at that age sparked my imagination, leaving my parents amused by my creativity. This early fascination with narrative continued to grow. In high school, I wrote an (unsolicited) fan sequel for a South Korean TV series. Surprisingly, it garnered a solid fan base. As I transitioned into college undergrad, I majored in journalism, driven by a desire to delve into stories from people with diverse cultural backgrounds and share them with the world through written words. However, as I delved deeper into nonfiction storytelling, I encountered ethical dilemmas that made me reassess my creative direction. It became apparent to me that my true passion is to tell stories with visuals and sounds. This realization led me to pivot towards filmmaking—a medium that seamlessly integrates visuals and sounds to bring stories to life. By harnessing the power of cinematic storytelling, I can weave intricate stories that captivate audiences and allow me to connect with others through the universal language of imagination and emotion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey is characterized by a dedication to producing films that resonate with diverse audiences, shedding light on underrepresented voices and cultures. One of my recent projects, “ANY SIGN AT ALL,” featuring Janine Mason and Katy Sullivan, is set to premiere at the Florida Film Festival in April. Additionally, I produced WHEN IT’S HARD and ALL IT TOOK, written and directed by Faryl Amadeus, and JIN, written and directed by Kurdish filmmaker Hamoun Dolatshahi. Those are currently in post production. Prior to that, I produced and directed WINTER’S PASSING, which won the Jury’s Choice Award at the Thomas Edison Film Festival in 2023.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to collaborating with filmmakers and talents from various cultural backgrounds and underrepresented communities. Whether it’s partnering with Chinese and Kurdish filmmakers or people with disabilities, I’m passionate about amplifying diverse voices and experiences. At the core of my storytelling are themes of relationships—be it family dynamics, connections between strangers, or the interaction between humans and artificial intelligence. I’m fascinated by the authentic emotions that underpin these relationships.

Originally from Shanghai, China, it wasn’t easy to work as a producer in the US due to cultural differences. However, I firmly believe in the transcendent power of cinema to bridge these gaps and introduce audiences to new perspectives and stories. I find the most important is to find like-minded collaborators who share my passion, aesthetic values, and work ethic.

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 am a big museum fan, so I would start by immersing them in art at Getty Museum, Academy Museum or LACMA, followed by a culinary adventure in the vibrant Eastside of LA, exploring authentic Chinese cuisine in neighborhoods like San Gabriel, Monterey Park, and Arcadia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Eryn Brown, my boss and mentor at Entertainment 360. Ms Brown is a talent manager representing internationally acclaimed writers and directors, such as Cate Shortland, Pablo Larraín, and Sebastián Lelio. Her mentorship has been an invaluable asset to my professional growth. Under her guidance, I’ve learned the intricacies of talent management, honed my skills in working with writers and directors, and gained insights into producing with clients. Eryn has been a beacon of light in the early stages of my career, illuminating the path forward with her wisdom and support.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Ruoyu Li, cinematographer and director, who has been my partner in crime on several projects. Ruoyu’s creative energy and inspirational approach to filmmaking have been a constant source of motivation and collaboration. Working alongside Ruoyu has not only enhanced my creative abilities but also fostered a dynamic synergy that has elevated our projects to new heights.

Website: https://yangfeifilm.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yangfeiannie/