We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andy Yi Li. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andy Yi below.

Andy Yi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey towards becoming a filmmaker has been a captivating evolution that took root during my teenage years and fully bloomed in my early twenties

Before embarking on this creative path, I had worked as a financial analyst in a tycoon real estate company. Yet, even while projecting a future of success in the corporate world, I couldn’t ignore the image of my life in my fifties, and it wasn’t the life I envisioned for myself. The allure of promotions and financial success paled in comparison to the true passion that had ignited within me.

At the age of 22, I took a leap of faith and left behind the comfort of my financial analyst role to return to film school at USC for a master’s in film production. It was a bold move, driven by a profound desire to shape my life around a meaningful and creative pursuit.

While I might not have initially considered myself an artist, I’ve discovered that film serves as my medium for communication with the world. It’s a universal language that bridges gaps and demolishes barriers, a tool through which I can share untold stories and amplify marginalized voices. The joy and satisfaction I find in filmmaking affirm my belief that this passion could be a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a passionate and versatile filmmaker with a deep commitment to storytelling, bringing to life narratives through a combination of writing, directing, and producing. My creative canvas spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing narrative films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials. With a strong penchant for visual storytelling, I possess the ability to visualize and conceptualize scenes vividly before capturing them on set.

My artistic journey is rooted in my role as a writer and director who seeks to unveil the stories that have remained concealed. This pursuit of untold narratives fuels my creativity and allows me to explore the intricacies of diverse human experiences. A standout project that exemplifies my approach is “After Sunset, Dawn Arrives,” my USC Thesis film. This work emerged from a simple idea, an exploration of the intersectionality of aging, queer identity, Chinese immigrant experiences, and the struggles of suppression. This film artfully weaves these themes into a single, compelling narrative. Its recognition, including winning the Jury Prize at the DGA Student Award for best Asian American Filmmaker and being a semi-finalist for the Student Academy Awards, speaks to its resonance and impact. The film’s global screenings and positive audience reactions underscore its ability to connect across cultures and borders.

Beyond directing, I thrive as a film producer, delighting in the process of script development and orchestrating projects from inception to fruition. I’ve had the privilege of producing seven distinct USC Thesis Films, each a testament to my dedication to fostering unique genres and artistic styles. Presently, I’m deeply involved in two documentary projects that center around social justice themes. The first highlights a Vietnamese Chinese monk who has been transforming lives through meditation and Buddhism within the California state prison system. The second project centers on the aftermath of the 2023 Chinese New Year mass shooting in Monterey Park, CA, examining the profound impact on the Chinese American community’s collective psyche.

In my filmmaking endeavors, I constantly strive to bridge cultural divides, amplify underrepresented voices, and unearth the powerful stories that lie beneath the surface. My work embodies a commitment to shedding light on marginalized experiences, fostering empathy, and sparking essential conversations. Whether it’s narrative storytelling, documentary filmmaking, or the dynamic realm of music videos and commercials, I’m dedicated to crafting visual narratives that leave a lasting impression on hearts and minds. My distinct ability to visualize, intertwine themes, and produce resonant projects sets me apart, and I’m excited to continue this creative journey of storytelling and impact.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey is all about showing how I’ve been able to stay strong and bounce back despite facing some tough challenges. I’ve had my fair share of struggles with mental health since I was a teenager. Dealing with an eating disorder was a long battle that took me five years to finally conquer. And just when I thought things were settling down, when I was 21, I hit a point where I almost gave up on my dream of becoming a filmmaker because my mental health was taking a toll.

In my early twenties, it was like a rollercoaster – I was dealing with depression. I even had to take some time off from school because things got pretty overwhelming. The year 2019 was probably the darkest chapter. I had to take a break from my graduate program, and at one point, I was seriously thinking about quitting USC altogether.

But I’m not the type to let challenges keep me down. With a mix of professional help and my own determination, I managed to pull myself back up. I got back to school, and one of the most cathartic experiences was making a film called “Invisible Child.” It was a way for me to explore my own journey through the story of a girl opening up about her depression to her mom.

And then, just when I thought things were looking up, the pandemic hit. For two years, it felt like I was stuck in creative limbo. But you know what they say, when life gives you lemons… So, during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to do some serious self-reflection. I thought deeply about why I wanted to be a filmmaker and worked on honing my skills.

When we finally got the chance to start shooting again in person, I poured all that reflection and renewed energy into my thesis film, “After Sunset, Dawn Arrives.” And guess what? It turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever made. It’s like everything I’ve been through, the ups and downs, culminated in that project.

My story isn’t just about me, it’s a message to anyone else who’s been through rough patches. I’ve learned that creativity can be a way to heal and find yourself, even in the toughest times. I’ve held onto my dream of being a filmmaker through thick and thin, and I’m darn proud of that. It’s a journey that shows how much I’ve grown and how dedicated I am to my craft.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies far beyond the realm of fame and spotlight. What truly brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment is when one of my films reaches an audience and resonates with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s the genuine connections formed through my work that touch me deeply.

There’s an incredible magic in sitting in the dimly lit theater alongside strangers who are sharing the experience of watching my film. Witnessing their laughter, tears, and emotional reactions in real time is an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s a reminder that storytelling can transcend individual differences and create a shared human experience.

Feeling that my film has reached into the hearts of viewers and left a mark, no matter how small, is a reward beyond measure. Even if it’s just a fleeting moment, knowing that I’ve contributed to someone’s memory in a positive and meaningful way is an indescribable feeling. It’s the power of art to evoke emotions and create connections that makes the creative process truly worthwhile.

In a world where connections are often fleeting, the ability of my work to create lasting memories and emotional bonds is something that keeps me passionate and driven as an artist. It’s a reminder that the impact of art goes far beyond the screen and has the potential to touch lives in ways that are both profound and enduring.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://andyyili.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy_strawberry_li/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-li-3b5782a5/

Image Credits
David Yeung, Nox Yang, Yifan Wang, Mini Liu, Television Academy, Joey Cheng