We recently connected with Jiarong Lu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jiarong, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In my opinion, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on to date is my current thesis project, Celebration of Life. This short documentary tells the story of cancer patients’ journey against the disease with the help of the Herald Cancer Association and its founder. Through this project, I aim to shed light on the difficulties Chinese cancer patients face when seeking treatment in the United States.
Since its establishment in 2002, the Herald Cancer Association has been committed to providing support and care for cancer patients and their families in the Chinese community. They have also established a network and working relationship with mainstream cancer organizations to ensure that patients have access to the resources they need. The organization provides a safe space for cancer patients, survivors, and family members to learn from one another, share experiences, and encourage each other throughout their journeys.
Despite the advancements in medical technology and the increased availability of knowledge, collecting and utilizing Chinese information on cancer often takes time. Additionally, many Chinese people tend to be introverted and view cancer as a private matter. Discussions about death are also avoided, which can further burden Chinese cancer patients and their families.
Lucy Young, the founder of the Herald Cancer Association, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She shared her experience of being supported during her cancer journey several years ago. Before her first cancer surgery, a breast cancer survivor shared her own experience with Lucy and twelve other cancer patients. This experience gave her great encouragement and hope, and she realized that she was not alone in the fight against cancer. After recovering from surgery and chemotherapy, Lucy wrote a book called “Those Days” about her anti-cancer experience, which she shared with other cancer patients to provide spiritual comfort and hope for recovery.
When I got in touch with Lucy, I was deeply moved by her strength and optimism, which made me realize the power of will and determination. Cancer is not a familiar or unfamiliar topic to me. I personally experienced the impact of cancer on my family when my grandfather was diagnosed with mid-stage lung cancer during an examination for a leg injury. When my mother and uncle heard the news, they were at a loss as to what to do and whom to turn to for help. They chose to keep the diagnosis a secret from my grandparents, carrying a great psychological burden by themselves. I only learned about the situation later, and it left a lasting impression on me. I have always regretted not being able to help my family through this difficult time. Although there may not be much that we can do to alleviate the pain and suffering of cancer patients, it is important to let them know that they are not alone and that we stand with them in their fight.
When I was choosing a topic for my graduation short film, I immediately thought of cancer. I conducted online research and came across the Herald Cancer Association in San Gabriel. I took the initiative to contact them, conducted interviews and research, and even participated in their online and offline activities. Through this process, I realized that the Chinese community is not as scattered as I had initially thought. As someone who came to the United States alone to study abroad, I often felt lonely and helpless due to a lack of relevant information and resources. However, through my interactions with the Herald Cancer Association, I felt a sense of warmth and community.
Currently, the film is in its post-production stage and is almost finished. I am confident that it will be released in June, and I hope that it will serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for cancer patients and their families.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My given name is Jiarong Lu, although I prefer to go by Chrissie.
My formative years were not initially associated with art. Instead, I devoted myself to academic pursuits, eventually earning a spot at Fudan University after being recommended by my high school. The extra time afforded to me allowed me to explore my interests in greater depth. During this period, I became enthralled with “A Bite of China,” a short yet mesmerizing gourmet food documentary series. Spanning just seven episodes, each running for a mere fifty minutes, this program showcased the captivating variety of Chinese cuisine and culture. I came to view film not solely as an entertainment medium, but as a powerful vessel through which to communicate culture, thoughts, and humanity to viewers.
As an undergraduate student, I pursued journalism, which involved a series of interview courses that honed my communication skills. I found myself particularly drawn to interviewing individuals from disparate walks of life, as I relished the opportunity to explore lifestyles and perspectives that differed from my own. This curiosity and desire to learn paved the way for my passion for documentary filmmaking.
During my third year of undergraduate studies, a distinguished American instructor imparted invaluable knowledge on the intricacies of film production. This was my first brush with the art and craft of filmmaking. Even the process of creating a mere three-minute short film left an indelible impression of the spellbinding allure of production. In July 2016, I embarked on a field trip to Yu Jiang City, Jiangxi Province with fellow members of the News in Jiangxi Group to investigate the plight of left-behind children in the region. Previously, the term “left-behind children” had been a nebulous concept, but the experience of encountering these children and witnessing their longing gazes for a life beyond their current circumstances was a revelation. My role involved collecting data via questionnaires, collating information, and capturing the proceedings on film. I had intended to maintain objectivity and avoid interfering with the children, but their responses varied widely, with some too timid to speak and others yearning to share their stories. To produce a more profound and informative narrative, I collaborated with my team members to interview select children. I conducted further research and used field investigation and interviews as the crux of my short film, which instilled in me a sense of social responsibility.
Subsequently, I pursued my passion for filmmaking by applying to USC, School of Cinematic Arts for advanced studies in film and television production. The graduate school offered me greater autonomy to explore documentary filmmaking and discover my aptitude for other creative endeavors. In 2019, I joined the Global Exchange program, which enabled me to co-direct and produce a documentary titled “Live Free” with a Communication University of China student. Our subject, Damien Merlina, is a remarkably resilient woman who, despite losing her left hand in a car accident at the age of 19, courageously pursued her passion for art. Her unwavering tenacity and spirit left an indelible mark on me. The film has garnered numerous accolades in China and is scheduled for screening in Portland soon.
I officially graduated in December 2022 and now work as a freelance director and production designer. My Asian heritage plays an essential role in my storytelling, focusing on topics that reflect Chinese and social issues. During my time at USC, I participated in the Global Exchange program and produced the award-winning short documentary “Live Free,” which was screened at various festivals, including the Best Short Documentary at the China-EU Light Shadow Award. My work as a production designer includes many short films and thesis projects, such as “Instant Noodle,” which will be screened at multiple film festivals.
One of my proudest moments was participating in the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge program, where our team produced a short film, “In Tune,” that won first place and earned $10,000 in operating funds for the non-profit organization, OPICA. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork and the power of humility, communication, respect, and active participation in developing my abilities. These lessons will forever guide my filmmaking journey, emphasizing social impact, community, and placing my ego aside.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an artist, the most rewarding aspect of documentary filmmaking is the ability to create an impact with your storytelling. Documentaries have the power to bring attention to important issues and tell stories that may not have been heard before. It is a privilege to be able to bring these stories to a wider audience and potentially inspire positive change in the world.
Documentaries can often be challenging to create, but the reward of seeing your work make a difference in people’s lives is worth it. When you create a documentary, you are often working with real people who have gone through difficult experiences, and it is important to handle their stories with care and respect. The opportunity to bring their stories to a wider audience and create a positive impact in the world is truly rewarding.
Another rewarding aspect of being a documentary filmmaker is the ability to collaborate with a team of passionate creatives. The process of creating a documentary involves a lot of teamwork and collaboration, from the research and development phase to the production and post-production stages. Being able to work with other filmmakers, researchers, and subject matter experts can be incredibly fulfilling, and the end result is often a product of the collective effort of the team.
As a production designer, the most rewarding aspect is being able to bring a director’s vision to life. The production designer is responsible for creating the overall look and feel of a film, and it is their job to create a visual world that supports the story. From the costumes and props to the set design and lighting, every element of the film’s visual style is carefully crafted to support the narrative.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a production designer is seeing the final product on the big screen. It is an incredible feeling to see the hard work and creativity of the entire design team come to life on screen. When the audience is transported into the world of the film, it is a testament to the success of the production design.
In addition to the satisfaction of seeing your work on screen, being a production designer also involves a lot of collaboration and problem-solving. The process of creating a film is often unpredictable, and production designers need to be able to adapt to changes in the script, budget, or shooting location. It is often a high-pressure job, but the challenge of creating something visually stunning within constraints can be incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to make a positive impact on the world through your work. Whether it’s creating a documentary that raises awareness of important issues or designing the visual world of a film, being able to contribute to a meaningful project is what makes the work so fulfilling. It is a privilege to be able to share stories and ideas with the world, and the impact that your work can have is immeasurable.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Los Angeles is renowned for its inclusivity and multiculturalism, but it is also a highly competitive city, particularly for those in the entertainment industry, given its proximity to Hollywood. Aspiring filmmakers flock to this city in droves, eager to achieve their dreams of making it big.
However, despite some progress, there is still a noticeable lack of diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood, particularly for Asian actors and filmmakers. Despite some recent successes, such as the groundbreaking film “Crazy Rich Asians,” Asian creatives are still frequently relegated to stereotypical roles or underrepresented in leading positions. Furthermore, they often struggle to secure funding and support for their projects, and there is a significant lack of Asian representation at the highest levels of production and decision-making.
I face significant challenges as an outsider in this competitive and cutthroat industry. Hailing from a small town in southern China, I received a different education and cultural upbringing from many of my peers, making it difficult to integrate into the industry’s established networks. Additionally, due to the lack of access to resources, showcasing my abilities and finding the opportunities I need to succeed can be challenging.
As a filmmaker, I firmly believe that every story is worth telling as long as it is approached with a unique vision and passion for discovering its most powerful aspects. As a recent graduate and freelancer, I am eager to collaborate with more experienced filmmakers and continue learning and growing in my craft. I understand that learning is a never-ending journey in any industry, and I approach each new opportunity with humility and enthusiasm. Although the pandemic forced me to take a year-long hiatus from my studies, I am now fully committed to rebuilding my network and creating more opportunities for cooperation in the future. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrissiecreated.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissiejiarong/