Meet Zixuan Zhang

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

Hi Zixuan, why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey into the film and media industry began when I was a child. With my parents often busy at work, I found comfort, companionship, and entertainment in the TV. This experience sparked my desire to create films, TV shows, and reality shows that offer others the same sense of comfort I felt as a kid. This mission has driven me ever since.

While studying Film and Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara and becoming a professional filmmaker, I infused this mission into every project I worked on. Whether it’s a short film, music video, or documentary, I always focus on the value and takeaway for the audience. I’m drawn to stories that bring comfort, motivation, and life lessons. It reminds me of that quote from Friends: “Welcome to the real world. It sucks, but you’re gonna love it.” I believe film has the power to present the real world from a new perspective—one that makes people think.

I also believe that other art forms can address real-life issues and provide comfort, which is why I started exploring fashion design. Fashion is something we engage with daily, and the right clothing can bring comfort and happiness. This belief shapes my artistic vision, and I hope that everything I create, whether on screen or in fabric, brings a smile to someone’s face.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been working as a professional filmmaker for the past three years and have been involved in 20 projects. Among them, I produced 10 short films, 3 music videos, and 1 documentary. Most of these projects were selected for festivals, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, New York International Film Festival, LiftOff Filmmaker Session, and many others. Recently, I received exciting news: a film I produced last year called Memory of You was selected for the Dreamscape International Film Festival. Our film will be screened in Houston, Texas, in September, and I’m super excited to attend the event.

In addition to film, I also co-founded Artistic Zone Inc this year. I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey and expand my artistic horizons to fashion and other art forms. The path has not been easy, and it won’t be easy moving forward, but as an artist, I’m ready for the struggle. I will remain steadfast in my artistic vision and never give up. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

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.
My personal favorite spot in the LA area is Pasadena. There are so many Michelin-starred restaurants, cute stores, and activities to enjoy. Huntington is also a great place to visit; there’s so much to see there, and each garden is unique. Since it’s summer right now, I’d take my friend on a getaway trip to Big Bear Lake. Booking a cabin and walking around would be such a good time.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Chadwick Pelletier, the CEO of DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF), where I have the privilege of working. Thank you, Chadwick, for recognizing my talent and abilities. Being a part of the DIFF team has been the best experience I’ve ever had. I’m particularly proud of hosting the Film Asia Program at DIFF, which has allowed me to meet many incredible people through the platform.

I truly believe in Chadwick’s vision of building DIFF into a space where filmmakers can showcase their work and network with others. We’re also expanding globally in 2025, hosting DaVinci Masquerade in Cannes, France, and RecFest in Canada. I’m super excited about these events, and I hope the readers of this article will consider being a part of them!

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/zixuan-zhang-555b83230