We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kadi Tsang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kadi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The fire that fuels my work burns with the desire to bridge divides and foster understanding. Our world is fractured along lines of age, culture, background, and belief. These divisions can feel insurmountable, yet I believe stories have the power to be the bridge we need.

I am drawn to the unspoken narratives, the experiences that simmer beneath the surface, waiting to be brought to light. Whether it is the quiet struggles of aging, the obstacles faced by immigrants, the complexities of mental health, or the conflicts of gender roles, these stories hold the key to empathy.

My mission is to bring these narratives to light and translate them into believable stories. By collaborating with a diverse cast and crew, we can weave a tapestry of experiences that transcends our differences. When we see ourselves reflected in the stories we consume, a connection forms. We begin to understand the emotions, motivations, and experiences that lie outside our own. In that shared space, bridges are built, and understanding takes root. Through the power of storytelling, we can weave a more connected and compassionate world, bridging divides and fostering understanding despite our differences and challenges.

Kadi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up in Hong Kong, Canada, and New York, a vibrant blend of cultures and languages has been my playground. This rich mix fueled my passion: using storytelling to bridge divides and promote mental well-being.

Theater and music, my early loves, unveiled the unspoken connection art can spark. Raw emotions in a play, shared experiences in a song, these mediums exposed the universality of human experience, transcending cultural barriers. This ignited a fire within me, a desire to create stories that not only entertain but also foster empathy and understanding between people from all walks of life.

As a writer-director, I bring untold stories to life, from immigrant struggles, and mental health complexities to evolving gender roles all explored through a multicultural lens. My goal is to spark empathy, encourage understanding, and promote mental well-being.

Have you ever had to pivot?

For many years, I found immense satisfaction in the role of a producer, bringing projects from script to screen. It gave me a constant source of creative fulfillment, yet, a yearning for a different kind of creative expression quietly simmered. Writing and directing had always captivated me, but the fear of abandoning a secure path, where production jobs flowed steadily, held me back.

Years spent meticulously managing productions honed my filmmaking knowledge, but carving out the time to truly delve into my own stories and lead from the director’s chair proved more challenging. However, a turning point arrived two years ago. Emboldened by the unwavering support of loved ones and the stark realization that passion should not be sacrificed for comfort, I took a leap of faith.

This decision heralded a shift in focus. I dedicated more time to writing, diligently crafting narratives and meticulously applying for grants. Opportunities to direct, once a distant dream, began to materialize. Today, I stand proudly on the other side of that pivot, primarily directing and writing short films. While the producer in me still flourishes, it is no longer the only facet of my creative life. This journey, though challenging, has been a testament to the enduring power of courage. Stepping outside my comfort zone has opened doors to a world brimming with possibilities. The whispers of unfulfilled dreams have transformed into a vibrant symphony of storytelling, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being creative for me is fostering connections and endless exploration. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds injects their unique perspectives into my work, fostering a rich sense of community. Each encounter becomes a wellspring of inspiration.

The very nature of creativity allows me to embark on a journey of constant discovery. Every project feels like a fresh canvas, an invitation to delve into new ideas and experiment with different techniques. It’s like living a “different life” with each endeavor, keeping the process perpetually stimulating.

This exploration goes beyond the project itself. It fosters a deeper gratitude for life. By embracing the beauty and challenges of the creative journey, I learned to appreciate the experiences that shape me.

Perhaps the most profound reward is the enhanced empathy I gain. Immersing myself in the creative process makes me a better listener, and more attentive to the stories and emotions of others. This newfound understanding strengthens my connection with the world around me.

Being creative is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a cycle of connection, exploration, appreciation, and understanding that transcends words.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaditsang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaditsang/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/kaditsang

Image Credits
Anson Ao, corvus_visio, Yutong Xie, Katusha Jin, Michael Cong