We were lucky to catch up with Caiyu Song recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caiyu, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents were architects of possibility – the kind of visionary producers every cinematic journey requires. While other childhoods followed predictable three-act structures, mine unfolded like an auteur’s passion project, its narrative threads weaving through unexpected locations and experimental subplots.
The opening sequence of my life could have been called “The Renaissance Reel”. As my peers rehearsed formulaic classroom scenes, my after-school montage cut between ice blades etching poetry on rinks, drumsticks composing rhythms in shadowy studios, and satin ribbons tracing equations in mid-air. My parents kept approving every creative proposal – from figure skating to flame-lit music sessions (though we eventually compromised on pyrotechnics).
Their parenting philosophy transcended simple permissions. My mother, our family’s sage script consultant, would reframe conventional narratives: “Life isn’t about matching some studio’s focus-grouped template,” she’d say, arranging my competition trophies like storyboards. “It’s about discovering your unique directorial vision. The committee in your head makes terrible producers.”
The pivotal scene arrived during my coming-of-age sequel. When I declared my intent to trade textbooks for celluloid dreams at 16, anticipating the standard second-act crisis, they delivered a twist worthy of final reel revelations. My father, typically our quiet character actor, offered his defining close-up: “The camera? Take our clapperboard. The world needs storytellers who’ve lived a thousand narratives before calling their first ‘Action’.”
This radical faith became my creative crane shot, lifting me above conventional framings. Those childhood years of artistic cross-training now inform every project’s texture – the discipline from perfecting triple spins lives in my meticulous shot design; the rhythm of drumming paradiddles pulses through my editing patterns.
On set today, when I choreograph complex sequence shots, I sometimes sense ghost-lights of their influence in the monitors – not intrusive studio notes, but wise production partners trusting the process. Their ultimate gift wasn’t financing hobbies, but bankrolling creative audacity. They understood each childhood passion was another lighting filter for life’s epic narrative.
In an industry obsessed with “finding your voice,” mine was never lost – through the constant directorial prompt “Why not try?” That’s the legacy I now bring to every project: a director’s eye trained to spot potential in unexpected places, and a producer’s heart that knows when to whisper, “Action.”
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 filmmaker shaped by cultural collisions. Born in Shenzhen, China – a melting pot of migrants – I grew up absorbing stories from neighbors across the country. At 14, moving to Canada expanded my worldview further, sparking my obsession with how cultures connect and influence each other.
Through filmmaking, I explore these questions. I’ve worn many hats – directing, editing, producing – but found my true passion in production design, where every prop and set piece tells silent stories. My work on Gang Tian’s socially-conscious film The Dream taught me to blend art with activism, creating posters and visuals that spark conversations.
My short films like Connection (about family bonds) and The Eleanor (inspired by my fashion designer mother, exploring elderly women’s identities) prove stories can be both deeply personal and universally relatable. Now, I’m embracing comedy with my next project The Underneath – using humor to dissect cultural clashes in modern China, while staying true to my visual storytelling roots.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that saying “yes” to every opportunity—no matter how small or misaligned—would inevitably lead to growth and learning. I used to operate under the assumption that hard work and relentless availability were the ultimate keys to success. If I just kept my head down, took on every task, and never turned down a request, I thought I would accumulate valuable experiences and skills.
But reality taught me a harsher truth. In my eagerness to prove myself and absorb as much as possible, I became a magnet for exploitation. People began to see my willingness as an open invitation to delegate their burdens, often without regard for my time, energy, or boundaries. I found myself stretched thin, working on projects that didn’t align with my goals, and sacrificing my well-being for the sake of being perceived as “reliable.”
The turning point came when I realized that not all opportunities are created equal. Some were disguised as growth but were actually distractions—or worse, ways for others to take advantage of my diligence. I learned the hard way that saying “no” is not a sign of weakness or laziness, but a necessary skill for self-preservation and intentional growth.
This lesson reshaped how I approach opportunities now. I’ve learned to evaluate each request through the lens of alignment: Does this align with my goals? Will this help me grow in a meaningful way? Am I saying “yes” out of genuine interest or just fear of missing out? By setting boundaries and being selective, I’ve not only reclaimed my time and energy but also found greater fulfillment in the projects I choose to pursue.
The backstory behind this lesson is a reminder that growth isn’t just about accumulation—it’s about discernment. Sometimes, the most powerful step forward is knowing when to say “no” so you can say a fuller, more intentional “yes” to what truly matters.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
A vibrant creative ecosystem demands a multifaceted approach that nurtures artists both economically and socially. Financial investment is paramount—through accessible grants, equitable compensation, and affordable workspaces that allow creativity to flourish without the burden of financial strain. Equally critical is the strengthening of arts education and career development resources, ensuring that emerging talents are equipped with the tools and guidance to navigate their creative journeys.
Society must actively champion the value of artists by investing in public art installations, festivals, and diverse media representation, embedding creativity into the fabric of everyday life. At the same time, ethical considerations around technology are essential; fair use policies must protect artists’ rights while digital platforms should adopt revenue models that empower creators rather than exploit them.
Building strong creative communities is another cornerstone. This can be achieved through cooperative networks, cross-industry collaborations that spark innovation, and robust mental health support systems tailored to the unique challenges of artistic work.
Ultimately, sustaining creativity requires a profound cultural shift—one that recognizes art not as a luxury or hobby, but as an essential profession that enriches society, challenges perspectives, and drives progress. By embracing this mindset, we can create an ecosystem where creativity thrives, artists are valued, and the transformative power of art is fully realized.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caiyufilm.wordpress.com
- Instagram: mosniccay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caiyu-song-458451220/
