We recently connected with Yi “Historia” Wang and have shared our conversation below.
Yi, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’ve embarked on a journey filled with various meaningful projects, each bearing its own significance: “The Perfect Smile,” “Smoothie,” “Baphomet,” “Chowmein Holiday,” “Before Firework,” and “In the Mood,” etc. Yet, amidst this creative tapestry, “Brave if” shines as a beacon of personal significance, marking my maiden voyage into the realm of live-action filmmaking.
The backstory behind “Brave if” is steeped in layers of profound significance and emotional resonance, evoking within me a myriad of sentiments and reflections. Created in 2021, “Brave if” represents my inaugural foray into directing and producing, making it a project of profound significance.
The film revolves around the story of a young bisexual woman grappling with her inner demons and societal expectations as she navigates the complexities of love and identity. The main character’s journey to embrace her own bisexuality and the possibility it represents is at the heart of the film. In fact, the title “Brave if” is a play on words, meaning “be brave and embrace if (possibility),” with the initials “Bi” representing bisexuality.
The inspiration for “Brave if” stemmed from my own experiences and observations of the struggles faced by individuals in their journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. As someone who has grappled with doubts and insecurities in the pursuit of my creative aspirations, I found solace in channeling my emotions and insights into this project.
What makes “Brave if” particularly meaningful to me is the collaborative process that brought it to life. From the initial concept development to the casting, filming, and post-production stages, every aspect of the project was infused with passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to authenticity.
Moreover, “Brave if” provided a platform for amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on important social issues, particularly regarding bisexuality and identity.
The response to “Brave if” has been positive, with viewers expressing deep resonance with the film’s themes and characters. Being able to connect with audiences on such a profound level and inspire them to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery has been incredibly rewarding and reaffirms the power of storytelling to effect change.
In essence, “Brave if” is more than just a film—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a celebration of diversity and individuality, and a reminder that true bravery lies in embracing our authentic selves, flaws and all. Also, while “Brave if” holds a special place in my heart as my first live-action short film, it’s essential to acknowledge its shortcomings. As both a producer and director, I’ve come to recognize numerous areas ripe for improvement. From narrative pacing to character development, there’s ample room for growth. Constructive criticism and self-reflection on “Brave if” have illuminated the path forward, reminding me of the continuous journey toward honing my craft as a filmmaker.
Yi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely. My name is Yi Wang, professionally known as Historia Yi, affectionately referred to as Big Carrot, and I’m a filmmaker with a background in both producing and directing. Originally from Shanghai, I’m currently based in the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and New York. I completed my undergraduate studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), where I also had the honor of organizing two editions of the Luminar Film Festival. Following this, I pursued a graduate degree in directing at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
My journey into the world of filmmaking began with a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a fascination with the power of visual narrative. Over the years, I’ve amassed three years of experience in developing and shooting film projects, during which I’ve had the opportunity to produce, direct, and write numerous short films.
Some of my notable works include “The Perfect Smile,” a stop-motion animation short film that I directed, produced, shot, and edited. It was recognized as a finalist at the 2022 Palm Springs International Film Festival and was also featured in the short film section of the 2022 Beijing Film Festival. Additionally, my film “Brave if” received accolades as a finalist at the 2022 Oniros Film Awards and an honorable mention at the 2023 SWIFF Film Festival. Most recently, my thesis film “Smoothie” won the Best Dark Comedy award at the 2024 International Film & Script Festival Lotus.
I am grateful for the positive impact that my films have had on audiences worldwide and the recognition they’ve received at various film festivals. What sets me apart as a filmmaker is my commitment to authenticity, empathy, and artistic integrity. I strive to create stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level and spark meaningful conversations about the human experience.
At the same time, I endeavor to lift others up, having invented ReelRoots, the world’s first product placement exchange for indie filmmakers — a tool which can help provide independent filmmakers everywhere the ability to continue their craft unhindered by financial constraints.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely. As a filmmaker, my creative journey is deeply inspired by a singular mission encapsulated in my self-chosen professional name Historia Yi. Historia, meaning “story” or “history,” represents my dedication to documentation and storytelling, while “Yi” reflects my personal identity within this creative endeavor. “Yi(逸)” is my legal name, chosen for its rich symbolism in Chinese culture, signifying transcendence, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence—ethos that guide my artistic expression in cinema.
I firmly believe that a film work is human being him/herself. It’s not a part of the person but a reflection of the individual at that particular stage of his/her life. If you’re hollow, your work will lack substance. If you’re restless, your work will be rough; If you’re fragile, your work will be rigid; If you’re arrogant, your work will be petty; If you’re shallow, your work will be corrupt; If you’re lazy, you’ll have no work at all. This philosophy drives me to infuse authenticity, depth, and diligence into every frame I craft, ensuring that my work resonates with the essence of who I am and the ideals I strive to embody.
My goal is multifaceted but fundamentally revolves around the power of storytelling to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and ultimately, foster understanding. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of human experiences, both past and present, and share them with the world.
Central to this mission is the belief that every individual possesses a unique narrative worthy of recognition and preservation. Whether through film, photography, or other creative mediums, I strive to amplify these voices and ensure they are heard and remembered.
Moreover, I see my creative journey as a means of bridging gaps—cultural, historical, or otherwise—by fostering empathy and connection among diverse audiences. By sharing stories that resonate universally, I hope to contribute to a more empathetic and inclusive world.
In essence, Historia Yi is not just a name; it’s a commitment to honoring the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future through the transformative power of storytelling.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Two perspectives: one, demonstrating my prowess as a producer to others, and two, discovering the unique voice that defines me as a producer.
How to prove I am a valuable producer to work with:
– Demonstrating good taste in identifying compelling materials: As a producer, I possess a discerning eye for recognizing promising projects and materials that resonate with audiences. My ability to identify high-quality content sets me apart and showcases my value as a producer.
– Ability to bring projects to fruition: I am resourceful and hardworking, treating each project as a long-term commitment rather than a fleeting endeavor. With dedication and persistence, I ensure successful execution from start to finish, showcasing my reliability and effectiveness as a producer. Despite facing resource constraints in the past, I’ve overcome them and now have access to the necessary resources. I actively advocate for resources for the betterment of our projects and aspire to become a valuable resource myself. My commitment extends to continuous resource accumulation.
– Embracing challenges: I am not afraid to take on challenges and push boundaries. By accepting projects that may be outside the norm or present difficulties, I showcase my courage and determination. It’s the challenges I tackle head-on that truly define my value as a producer.
How to find my voice as a producer:
– Embracing diversity in interests and perspectives: My voice as a producer is characterized by a broad range of interests and influences. Rather than confining myself to specific genres or styles, I embrace diversity and am open to exploring new ideas and opportunities. It’s my unique perspective and insights that contribute to making me a special producer.
– Developing a discerning eye: My approach to producing is shaped by how I perceive and interpret materials. I don’t conform to a predefined mold; instead, I bring my own judgment and insights to the projects I work on. It’s about developing a unique perspective and approach based on my own experiences and instincts.
– Staying open-minded: I believe in staying open-minded and adaptable. Rather than limiting myself to certain areas based on past experiences, I remain receptive to new ideas and possibilities. This flexibility allows me to continually evolve and grow as a producer, finding my voice in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bigcarrotfilmhistoriayi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historiayi?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/62d21bab0000000002002d76?xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=62d21bab0000000002002d76&apptime=1713935300