We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angel I-Han Teng. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angel I-Han below.

Alright, Angel I-Han thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Creating art always makes me feel happy. Living a creative life as a full-time artist is absolutely a privilege to me. It’s been a fulfilling journey to end up here, but this path wasn’t always clear, and there were times when I wondered if I should have chosen something more stable, more conventional.

Before making up my mind, I had been struggling in my comfort zone, working in the psychology department as an assistant researcher at a university. It was a 9-5 regular job, with the flexibility to schedule experiments and conduct analyses at my own pace. On the surface, it offered stability and a clear path forward. But beneath that, there was a growing restlessness—I felt an intense drive to break away and find something that would ignite my passions, giving birth to the lives of characters that only existed in my imagination.

When I transitioned into the world of writing and directing, I moved to Los Angeles and began my film studies at CalArts. My whole life changed. I faced new challenges that were exhilarating, requiring not just creativity but resilience and adaptability. With each challenge, I discovered a deeper part of myself. I learned to trust my instincts, to embrace uncertainty, and to find joy in the process of creation, even when the outcome was unclear.

Looking back, I realize that leaving my comfort zone was the best decision I ever made. The life I’ve built as a creative feels true to who I am, filled with the kind of passion and excitement that makes every day a new adventure.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a film director, writer, and producer for Long Moment Films, a production company dedicated to creating impactful and emotionally resonant stories. Originally from Taiwan, I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue my filmmaking career.

My first feature as screenwriter “Bao Bao” had its premiere at Outfest in 2018, and my debut series “Fragrance of the First Flower” was rated as one of The Best International TV Shows of 2021 by Variety. Most recently, my directorial debut feature “A Balloon’s Landing” was theatrically released in Asia and had its North American premiere at New York Asian Film Festival.

I’m most proud of the authenticity and emotional depth that define my work. Whether it’s a feature film, a short, or a series, I’m committed to telling stories that matter—stories that reflect the human condition in all its beauty and complexity.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a mission to tell stories that resonate deeply with people, bridging cultural divides and exploring the intricacies of human emotion. My goal is to create films that not only entertain but also provoke thought, inspire empathy, and spark meaningful conversations.

Growing up in Taiwan and later moving to Los Angeles, I’ve been fortunate to experience and understand diverse perspectives. This multicultural background drives me to create work that speaks to universal themes—love, identity, connection—while also celebrating the unique nuances of different cultures. I believe in the power of film to connect people, to make them feel seen and understood, no matter where they come from.

A particular focus of mine is to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories, bringing to the forefront narratives that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. I’m passionate about creating films that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience, challenging stereotypes, and offering fresh, authentic perspectives.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

To me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the impact my work has on audiences. There’s a unique and profound sense of fulfillment that comes when someone shares that a film I made resonated with them or helped them feel seen and understood. It’s in those moments that I truly feel the power of storytelling—the ability to reach into someone’s life, evoke emotions, and perhaps even offer a new perspective.

When people connect with my work on a personal level, it validates all the hard work. The process of filmmaking is not always easy; it demands resilience, creativity, and often requires navigating a myriad of obstacles. But when the final product touches someone, when it inspires, comforts, or provokes thought, it makes every struggle worth it. Knowing that my stories can have a lasting impact on others, that they can evoke empathy or spark meaningful conversations, is incredibly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iangelteng.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelihanteng/

Image Credits

Long Moment Films. GagaOOLala. GOL Studios. Drama Culture Company Limited. Darren Culture & Creativity. Haze Films.