Meet Yukiko Cho | Filmmaker

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

Hi Yukiko, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is authenticity. I believe in telling honest, human stories that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. My unique background, having grown up with both Chinese and Japanese cultural influences, gives me a distinct perspective that I bring to my work as a filmmaker.
Another key factor is collaboration. Filmmaking is a team effort, and I’ve always prioritized building strong relationships with directors, crew members, and other collaborators to bring a shared vision to life. Whether I’m directing or serving as a Director of Photography, I focus on creating an environment where creativity and communication can thrive.
Finally, perseverance has been essential. Pursuing a career in the film industry isn’t easy, but my commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries has been instrumental in helping me achieve success and recognition for my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
How did you get to where you are today?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to the arts. Growing up in China, I explored creative outlets like drawing, printmaking, and model assembly. My passion for storytelling deepened when I moved to Japan during junior high school and became interested in theater, aspiring to be a stage director.
It wasn’t until high school that I shot my first short film using a simple camera. The experience of screening it at my school’s festival and witnessing the audience’s reaction gave me a profound sense of accomplishment. This pivotal moment ignited my passion for filmmaking and set me on my journey.
I pursued a filmmaking program at university in Japan, where I immersed myself in the craft and honed my skills. These formative years laid the foundation for my career in visual storytelling and motivated me to push my creative boundaries.

What sets you apart from others?
I bring a unique perspective to my work as a Director and Director of Photography. Born in Japan to Chinese parents, I spent 11 years in China before returning to Japan. Growing up between these two rich cultures has given me a distinct worldview, which I channel into my films. This dual cultural background allows me to explore diverse narratives and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
To further my craft, I moved to Los Angeles, a global hub for artistic expression, where I’ve had the privilege of directing and shooting award-winning projects. My sci-fi short film, One Sun, won Best Director – Sci-Fi Film at the Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards 2024. Additionally, my film KANOJO, which I directed and served as DP, won Best Student Short at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival. It was also selected and nominated at seven other prestigious festivals, including the Burbank International Film Festival (Best LGBTQ Film) and the Golden Short Film Festival (Finalist for Golden Cinematography).
As a cinematographer, I am passionate about visual storytelling. I meticulously balance light, composition, and movement to enhance emotional depth and bring narratives to life. I approach each project with a commitment to crafting thought-provoking visuals that inspire and resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater.
My dedication to creating compelling, character-driven stories sets me apart. I delve deeply into characters’ emotions, backgrounds, and personal details to develop narratives that entertain, provoke thought, and inspire change. My goal is to use film as a powerful medium to share unique perspectives and leave a lasting impact.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
For now, I’m proud that my film, KANOJO, has been selected for multiple film festivals, including prestigious events like the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival and the Burbank International Film Festival. It’s a story about a young woman who struggles to tell her mother, who has a traditional Chinese cultural background, about her true sexual identity. As her relationship grows more “intimate” with the woman she loves, she finally decides to let her feelings come out.
I’m excited that this film, which highlights Asian culture and identity, is being recognized by so many people. Its success reinforces the importance of telling diverse and authentic stories, and it inspires me to continue creating meaningful films that resonate with audiences worldwide.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Throughout my journey as a filmmaker, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and authenticity. Filmmaking is a collective effort, and I’ve come to deeply value the creative exchange that happens on set. Every project has taught me something new, whether it’s about problem-solving under pressure or the power of staying true to the story I want to tell.
I’ve also learned that representation matters. Stories like KANOJO have shown me how impactful it is to give a voice to underrepresented communities and share narratives that resonate across cultures.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that my work is about capturing honest, human experiences through a unique cultural lens. My background as someone with both Chinese and Japanese heritage influences how I see and tell stories. I aim to create films that connect deeply with audiences, provoke thought, and inspire change.
My brand is rooted in authenticity and diversity. I focus on visually compelling storytelling that highlights emotions, cultural identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Whether I’m behind the camera as a Director of Photography or guiding a project as a director, my goal is always to tell stories that leave a lasting impression.

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?
I would take them to the Griffith Observatory to experience the breathtaking sunset and panoramic night view of Los Angeles. While Los Angeles is home to many excellent museums, I highly recommend the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This museum provides an in-depth look at the history of cinema and the artistry behind the camera. For food, I really like Japanese cuisine. There are two restaurants that I think are the best and reasonably priced: Tsujita, a ramen restaurant, and Gen, a sushi restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and experiences that have contributed to my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their impact.
First, I want to give a special shoutout to my family. Their support and encouragement have been invaluable, even as I pursued a career that took me far from home. Growing up with their influence and love gave me the foundation to chase my dreams.
I also want to recognize my mentors and professors, particularly at the New York Film Academy, who pushed me to refine my craft and challenged me to think critically about storytelling. Their guidance and belief in my potential have shaped the filmmaker I am today.
Lastly, I owe a lot to the amazing collaborators I’ve worked with along the way. From directors and crew members to actors and producers, each person has brought something unique to the projects we’ve created together. Filmmaking is a collaborative art, and every success I’ve achieved is thanks to the collective efforts of these talented individuals.
Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am without the audiences who engage with and support my work. Their reactions and connections to my films inspire me to keep telling stories that matter.

Website: https://yukifilmmaker.my.canva.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjajdbcrdjob/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

Other: My reel: https://vimeo.com/855269428
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13168132/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_3_nm_5_in_0_q_Yukiko%2520Cho