Meet Yijia Sun | Director & Producer & Writer

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

Hi Yijia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before entering the film industry, I conformed to my parents’ expectations by obtaining dual degrees in Management and Finance from business school. Despite this academic success, my passion was always elsewhere. From an early age, while engaging with books and movies, I often found myself thinking, “If it were me, I’d approach this writing or direction differently.” However, growing up in a small Chinese city made the dream of filmmaking seem distant, and pursuing the arts was often viewed as impractical. Consequently, I took up novel writing, a hobby that was more accessible given my circumstances. Upon graduating, I was struck by the realization that we only live once. This prompted a decision to dedicate my life to my true passion, regardless of the potential risks. I wanted to make a mark on society and ensure my voice was heard around the world. Motivated by this, I relocated to Los Angeles to begin my professional journey as a director, writer, and producer. I have since written and directed two short films, “Flowers” and “Eggs,” both of which received accolades at various film festivals. Currently, I am preparing my first feature film, “Angels Near Death,” scheduled to begin production in Los Angeles this October.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since entering the film industry, my focus has been on women’s rights, exploring themes like the invisible exploitation of women in families through poetic and allegorical styles. Despite facing skepticism and underestimation of my work’s impact, I have persevered. My films resonate with audiences who appreciate the depth and sincerity of my storytelling.

A significant challenge I’ve encountered is plagiarism of my ideas, which, while flattering, undermines respect for original creators. I’ve learned to counter this by committing to authenticity in my work, believing that audiences prefer genuine stories.

I am particularly dedicated to amplifying the voices of East Asian women, aiming to highlight their struggles and contribute to improving their situation through cinema. My goal is not only to produce films that reflect deep societal issues but also to support and inspire more female directors in the industry. I am hopeful for a future where the film industry showcases a diversity of women’s perspectives, and I am actively working towards this change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start by exploring Universal Studios and Disneyland, where we’d enjoy meeting Mickey Mouse. Next, we might attend a film festival in Los Angeles to experience avant-garde cinema. Additionally, we would visit Santa Monica to relax on its charming beach and watch its iconic sunsets. For dining, we wouldn’t miss California’s iconic In-N-Out burgers, and we’d also sample local seafood to savor the flavors of LA.

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?
My journey to starting a film career in Los Angeles would not have been possible without the support and help of mentors and friends. Among these invaluable supporters, I owe a special thank you to my boyfriend, Hung-yu Kuo. He is not only my boyfriend but also my best friend and mentor. When I first moved to LA and was transitioning into a new field, Hung-yu provided me with immense professional guidance. His unconditional support and encouragement have been foundational to my success.

Hung-yu played a critical role in the creation of my works. During the scriptwriting phase, he inspired me with numerous ideas and gave me essential direction, which greatly contributed to the success of my projects. He also served as the Director of Photography for my two short films, “Eggs” and “Flowers.” His mastery of cinematography is something I continually aspire to learn from. His dedication and skill have been crucial in bringing my visions to life.

Website: www.YijiaCherSun.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yijia-sun-4122352a2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553241941562

Other: My feature: https://seedandspark.com/fund/angels-near-death#story