Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xinran Gu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Xinran thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a 7-minute short film titled “Last Night”, for which I served as the director, writer, and editor.

The logline of the film is: “On a vacation, sensitive and vulnerable Becky tries to gain self-esteem by seducing a man who is pursuing her sister.”

This project is deeply meaningful to me for several reasons. First, the story itself is incredibly sensitive and nuanced. It portrays a fragile and real woman who attempts to prove her worth and allure through an act that is neither positive nor admirable—it’s dark, but it’s also very honest. I wanted to tell a story that captures this raw vulnerability without judgment or criticism.

I poured my heart and soul into this project, paying close attention to every detail. I spent countless hours perfecting the script, directing the performances, and crafting the edit. Visually, I focused on making sure that every single frame felt beautiful and deliberate. The film has a muted, restrained quality that aligns perfectly with its theme—introspective, unsettling, yet authentic.

What makes this project so special to me is that it reflects my belief that true empowerment for women doesn’t always come from showcasing perfection or positivity. Instead, it comes from acknowledging, embracing, and reconciling with the darker sides of ourselves. By showing this character’s flaws and struggles, I wanted to explore a version of female confidence and self-worth that feels raw, complex, and real.

This project is not only one I am incredibly proud of but also one that has pushed me creatively and personally. It represents my love for storytelling, my dedication to exploring female perspectives, and my belief in the power of film to connect with hidden truths.

Xinran, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a filmmaker and motion designer, currently pursuing my graduate studies in art. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, exploring human emotions and relationships, particularly from a female perspective. I started my creative journey by working on crime and suspense genres, which remain an important part of my artistic identity. Over time, I’ve incorporated more nuanced narratives, focusing on themes of vulnerability, self-identity, and empowerment.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve directed, written, and edited is my 7-minute short film, “Last Night.” The film tells the story of Becky, a sensitive and fragile woman who tries to gain self-esteem by seducing a man pursuing her sister. While this act is morally complex and dark, it is also honest and raw—qualities I aim to bring to all my work. I believe that showcasing women’s struggles and vulnerabilities without judgment, and portraying their process of reconciliation and self-acceptance, represents a form of true female empowerment.

Beyond directing and screenwriting, I discovered my passion for post-production and motion design, which led me to pursue a second major in Motion Media Design. As a motion designer, I specialize in creating visually engaging and meaningful work, including title sequences, animated visuals, and design-focused storytelling. The combination of filmmaking and motion design allows me to expand my creative range, blending live-action narratives with visually dynamic elements.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to telling stories that are sensitive, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable. I’m drawn to characters and narratives that challenge conventional perceptions, exploring the darker and less discussed aspects of human nature, particularly in women’s experiences. I want my audience to connect with these stories on an emotional level, to reflect, and to see the beauty in imperfection.

Moving forward, my focus is to continue growing as a filmmaker and motion designer. I aim to create more projects that combine my love for crime, suspense, and feminist narratives, while refining my skills in post-production to bring more visual and emotional depth to my work. I believe art has the power to provoke thought, spark conversations, and inspire change, and that’s what I strive to achieve with every project I create.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn was relying too much on my mentors and losing my own voice.

When I first entered the film industry, I was a complete beginner. I had a story concept and a script, but I knew almost nothing about the actual process of filmmaking—whether it was camera work, directing, or editing. At that time, I had a mentor who was also my senior in the industry. My mentor was incredibly talented and generous, guiding me through turning my script into a completed film.

During that project, I put all my trust in my mentor and heavily relied on their expertise. I followed their advice without question, whether it was about shot design, pacing, or editing decisions. While the process taught me a lot, when I looked back at the final work, I realized something important: the film no longer felt like my own creation. Every frame, every decision was shaped by my mentor’s vision, not mine.

As I continued to grow as a filmmaker, I learned that creating your own work is about trusting your instincts and staying true to your vision. It’s essential to learn from experienced mentors and admire their talent, but it’s equally important not to let that admiration turn into dependence. A filmmaker must have the courage to make their own creative decisions, even if it means taking risks or facing challenges.

Now, I value my mentors for their knowledge and guidance, but I’ve learned to balance learning from others while staying true to myself. The most meaningful work comes from listening to your inner voice and having the confidence to bring your own ideas to life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments that illustrates my resilience was my decision to pursue a double major in Film and Television (MFA) and Motion Media Design. I made this choice in the semester right before entering my Film Thesis Sequence—a time when my workload was already heavy. It was a carefully thought-out decision, one that I knew was both right for my growth and incredibly challenging.

Film and Motion Design share some similarities, such as the need to consider shot composition, storyboards, audience engagement, and creative concepts. However, their methods of expression are fundamentally different. Film focuses on concrete storytelling—tangible narratives, specific characters, and grounded visuals. In contrast, Motion Design allows for abstract and boundless creativity, with visuals that can defy traditional storytelling rules. This shift meant I had to broaden my perspective, expand my aesthetic sensibilities, and step outside the structured comfort of film narrative.

To bridge this gap, I dedicated myself to learning new software and techniques. As a film editor, I was already proficient in tools like Premiere Pro, Avid, Final Cut, and had basic knowledge of After Effects. But with Motion Design, I had to master tools like After Effects (advanced), Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and even Cinema 4D to create motion graphics and designs. It was an entirely new language of visual expression that pushed me to grow both technically and creatively.

I spent countless hours practicing and refining my skills, creating motion ads and title sequences for brands and TV shows I admired. These projects were not just exercises—they were opportunities to apply my new knowledge and merge my storytelling abilities from film with the abstract possibilities of motion design.

Through this process, I realized that my resilience lies in my determination to continuously learn, adapt, and grow, no matter how challenging the journey. The transition was far from easy, but I embraced the difficulties and emerged as a more versatile artist. This experience taught me to break free from limitations, to see creative expression through multiple lenses, and to push myself toward becoming a well-rounded filmmaker and motion designer.

For me, resilience means not settling for what’s comfortable but choosing what challenges you—and having the perseverance to see it through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hazelgu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelguuu_/profilecard/?igsh=bHhlcWxpZng3ajU4
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelgu

Image Credits

Images are from films and motion design projects directed, edited, and designed by Xinran Gu in collaboration with talented creative teams.