We were lucky to catch up with Dingding Hu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dingding , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Yes, absolutely! I’m happiest when I’m immersed in creative work—whether it’s telling stories, working in production, producing events, or creating platforms for others to share their voices. As a filmmaker and the founder of a nonprofit focused on healing through art, creativity fuels my sense of purpose and connects me with people in ways a “regular job” simply can’t.

When I’m on set, I feel alive. I love knowing the story we’re telling and watching all the departments come together like magic to bring it to life. Seeing everyone working toward the same goal of telling a meaningful story is one of the most fulfilling feelings. It’s not easy—our schedules are chaotic, personal time disappears, and stability is always uncertain. But despite those challenges, the energy and passion in this life are unmatched. It’s a kind of magic that makes me feel truly alive.

I’ll admit it—yes, there are moments when I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. Those thoughts sneak in during the harder times, like waiting for a new project as a freelancer, receiving rejection emails, or coming home late after a tough day, feeling like I’ve lost touch with the rest of my life.

I remember one night vividly. Jinbao, my dog, was snoring peacefully next to me while I sat overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list. In that quiet moment, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be easier to have a job where I could just clock in and out? To not have to pour my heart and soul into every project?”

But then, I asked myself: Would you really be happy doing something you don’t love? Would you feel fulfilled giving up on the dreams and stories that drive you? The answer was clear: no. Giving up isn’t in my nature. Those moments of doubt are real, but they also remind me to dig deep, to reconnect with the purpose behind everything I do.

And suddenly, the doubt fades. My chest fills with excitement again, and I remember why I chose this path. Creativity isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

My fulfillment doesn’t come from ease or stability—it comes from impact. A regular job might offer more routine and predictability, but it wouldn’t give me the same fire, the same sense of purpose. It wouldn’t let me touch lives through storytelling or create something meaningful from nothing.

So yes, I think about the “what-ifs” sometimes. But those moments always remind me of why I chose this life—messy, unpredictable, and full of passion. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling, and it makes me truly happy.

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

My name is Ding Ding, and I’m a filmmaker, producer, and the founder of NOMOREHURT Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and healing through art. My journey into the creative industry began with a deep love for storytelling—capturing raw, human experiences and turning them into narratives that inspire, connect, and heal. Whether I’m working on a film set or producing community events, my mission has always been to use creativity as a force for positive change.

Through NOMOREHURT, we provide a platform for individuals to share their stories, process their emotions, and find resilience through creative expression. Our projects include film festivals, art shows, and wellness events—all designed to foster connection, healing, and personal growth.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is collaboration. We partner with artists, filmmakers, and mental health advocates to create experiences that bring people together and break the stigma surrounding mental health. For example, at one of our recent events, a participant shared how painting during a workshop helped them process emotions they hadn’t been able to put into words. That moment was a powerful reminder of how art can heal in ways we don’t always expect.

As a producer, my work spans narrative films, documentaries, and commercials. I focus on telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences and reflect the complexities of human experience. I also support other creatives by offering production services, event coordination, and strategic storytelling advice to help them bring their visions to life.

What makes my work unique is its heart. Everything I create comes from a deeply personal place. I’ve faced my own battles with mental health and self-doubt, and those experiences have shaped my commitment to helping others find strength in their vulnerabilities. For example, when I discovered Dear Jeff, a deeply moving story of resilience and healing, it resonated with me in a profound way. The narrative mirrored my own experiences of struggling in an unhealthy relationship where I lost my sense of self and confidence. Dear Jeff, a deeply moving one-woman music show, is a heartfelt letter from a woman to her late partner, who tragically took his own life. The story explores their complicated relationship, the lingering pain of abuse, and her journey to rebuild herself while grappling with love, loss, and guilt.

What struck me most about the story was its raw honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the darkest moments—confronting the trauma of abuse, the devastation of suicide, and the heavy burden of unresolved emotions. Instead, it shines a light on what it means to heal, find closure, and rediscover strength in the face of unimaginable pain.

Bringing this project to life as a film has become a mission of mine. I believe Dear Jeff has the power to touch audiences in a deeply personal way—by showing that even in the aftermath of abuse and loss, it’s possible to find your voice, reclaim your identity, and move forward with hope. This story isn’t just about pain; it’s about resilience, courage, and the human capacity to heal. I’m honored to help share it with the world and hope it will inspire others to embrace their own journeys of healing.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of creating NOMOREHURT, a nonprofit that has become a platform for healing, storytelling, and connection. Hearing from someone who attended one of our events, participated in a workshop, or watched a film and felt seen, inspired, or healed is the greatest reward. I remember one event where a participant approached me and said, “Thank you for doing this. I finally feel seen.” Moments like that remind me why I do this work.

I’m also incredibly proud of the teamwork that goes into every project. Whether it’s collaborating with filmmakers, artists, or mental health advocates, every person brings their heart and vision to the table. Recently, working on projects like Dear Jeff has been a highlight. Bringing this one-woman music show, which tackles themes of abuse, suicide, and resilience, to a larger audience has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Knowing that these stories can spark conversations and healing is what motivates me every day.

Ultimately, I’m proud that through NOMOREHURT and my creative work, we’re building a community that believes in the power of vulnerability and storytelling to transform lives.

What I Want You to Know
Life is never easy—it’s full of struggles, challenges, and moments when we feel lost. But through storytelling and creative expression, we can find connection, healing, and even hope. That’s what I aim to create with my work.

Whether you join us at a NOMOREHURT event, experience our upcoming film like Dear Jeff, or collaborate on a project, I want you to know that you’ll find a space where your voice matters and your story is valued. This is a place where vulnerability is embraced, and growth is supported—not just through the finished works, but through the shared journey of creating them.

To me, creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about transforming struggles into strength, challenges into opportunities, and stories into powerful tools for change. I’m here to walk that path with you, and together, we can build a community where healing, connection, and resilience thrive.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is when my art touches people—when something I create resonates with them, sparks an emotion, or makes them feel seen. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that what I do can connect with someone on a deeply personal level, offering comfort, inspiration, or even just a moment of reflection.

I’ve had people come up to me after events or screenings and say things like, “This really spoke to me” or “I feel like I’m not alone anymore.” Those moments are everything to me. They remind me that art isn’t just about creating—it’s about connecting, and it’s about making a difference in someone’s life. That’s what keeps me going.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is deeply driven by the mission of using storytelling and art as tools for healing, connection, and empowerment. I believe that sharing our stories—no matter how painful or vulnerable—has the power to transform lives, not only for the storyteller but also for those who listen and see themselves in those narratives.

Through my work with NOMOREHURT and my projects as a filmmaker, my goal is to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s through a film that explores themes of resilience, an art show that celebrates vulnerability, or a wellness event that brings a community together, everything I do is guided by the idea that creativity can be a force for positive change.

Ultimately, my mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to show that even in the hardest moments, there’s strength in our stories and beauty in our struggles. I want my work to inspire others to embrace their journeys, connect with their emotions, and realize that they are never alone. That sense of purpose is what fuels me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nomorehurtfoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dingdingdang.dang/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/nomoisnomo/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits

@Belva Chan