Meet Yicheng (loyal) Xie | Director + Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yicheng (loyal) Xie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yicheng (Loyal), looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The hardest decision I ever made was choosing film. Growing up, I was on the expected path, studying business, I was pretty good at it. Excelling in global competitions, ranking top 15. I was preparing for a stable, predictable future. But deep down, I was restless. I knew I wanted to create something tangible, something that brought me genuine joy, both in the process and the outcome. At that time, I didn’t know exactly what that was—my first consideration was product design or architecture, film to me then, was a bit of a stretch. But as I thought it over, I had to be honest with myself. What I enjoyed the most was story telling.

But, for someone as inexperienced as I was, choosing film felt reckless, even impossible. I knew nothing of the industry, know no one of the industry, all I had were horror stories. The industry seemed like a daunting mountain—countless people venture in, but few make it out with stories to tell. The sheer uncertainty, the lack of control, and the unknown all loomed large, and it terrified me. Yet, I knew I was greedy; I wanted to pursue something that brought me true happiness. For that chance, I was willing to take the risk.

So, I made the choice, and I don’t regret it. I don’t look back because, for me, dwelling on the past only brings regret, and fixating on the future feeds anxiety. True peace and happiness are fruits we can only savor when we embrace the present.

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.
What sets me apart is my fascination with perspective—experimenting with time, space, and viewpoint to reveal deeper layers within a story. My films aren’t just meant to be watched; they’re meant to be completed by the audience. I play with narrative structure, leaving intentional gaps and unanswered questions so that viewers are invited to add their interpretations and uncover their own truths. To me, every film should carry an aftertaste—a lingering impact that lives beyond the screen.

Creating stories in this way wasn’t easy. My style, with its layered perspectives and narrative gaps, often led to misunderstandings and criticism from those who saw my approach as unconventional. Many questioned my choices, but I learned to stand by them and grew from the experience. Through it, I’ve learned to filter feedback carefully, valuing the insights of those willing to understand my vision, while also recognizing when to stay true to my unique style. I trust my perspective and know the value of what I bring to storytelling—stories that not only reveal hidden layers of character but also challenge viewers to question what they see and understand.

In the end, my goal is to craft films that stay with people, resonating long after they’ve left the theater. It’s this dynamic, viewer-involved storytelling that defines my work and keeps me pushing boundaries.

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, we’d start with an unforgettable food tour of K-Town, packed with can’t-miss spots. First stop: Dan Sung Sa for that classic Korean bar vibe and top-notch food, then Yiping Chuan for some unbeatable Chinese BBQ. Any Korean BBQ joint in the area is a win, but Louders is a favorite. We’d head to San Gabriel next, an absolute haven for Chinese cuisine gems. Little Skewers is a go-to, and Xiaolongkan Hotpot offers a hotpot experience they’ll never forget.

When it’s time to relax, we’d explore some of my favorite milk tea spots. ICI Tea in San Gabriel is a must for fruit tea lovers. For a classic LA day, we’d hit Venice Beach, strolling along the scenic path next to the ocean—it’s my go-to for a mental refresh. Sawtelle’s Little Tokyo is also on the list, perfect for checking out unique shops and great eats.

And, to top it off, my hidden gem: there’s this breathtaking peak nestled between Torrance and Long Beach. It’s not something I share often, but the view from up there is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. It’s the perfect end to a packed week of food, adventure, and a little slice of LA that’s just for us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, there are people I owe a huge amount of gratitude to, but the one person I wanted to shoutout to, and dedicate this to is, sorry to many, but my favorite professor Kelly Pike.

Many people—peers, professors—gave me criticism for the choices I made in my films. They couldn’t see the vision behind my work, and instead of engaging in dialogue, it felt like they were just dismissing it. I believe that film is about innovation, the unique choices each of us brings to a story. But when I leaned into that, I was met with comments like, “I don’t get it,” or “Why are you doing it this way?” My efforts to explain my perspective were brushed off with responses like, “You have your reasons, but that doesn’t matter here.” It felt like they wanted to impose their own ideology on me rather than understand where I was coming from. It felt like they didn’t care nor did they give me the time.

However, I had one mentor who stood apart—Professor Kelly Pike. I’ve had the privilege of learning from many mentors, but Kelly was exceptional. She didn’t force her perspective on me or tell me I was wrong; she listened, gave constructive feedback, and offered insights that aligned with my vision. Instead of trying to “correct” me, we would have genuine conversations about our ideas, exchanging thoughts and techniques in a way that felt collaborative. She explained her notes clearly, with specific reasons, and always sought to understand why I made the choices I did. This experience with her was incredibly empowering and has shaped who I am as a filmmaker today. Her encouragement and respect for my individuality gave me the confidence to trust in my own voice.

Website: https://loyalxie.com

Instagram: @loyalxie

Image Credits
This is an upcoming film of mine. Reasons to Lie.

“Reasons to Lie” plunges into mystery when Mary Dawkins’ dismembered body is found, missing a crucial part. Each member of the Qin family confesses to her murder, offering conflicting but hauntingly believable accounts, leaving Detective James questioning whether truth—or anyone—is whole.