We recently connected with Kaihan Huang and have shared our conversation below.

Kaihan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

Going back to the start of my career when I was 17, I was a passionate student who initially faced rejection from many film schools in China. Fast forward to August 2023, I was selected for Academy Gold Rising program, an exclusive film industry internship enhancement program through Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I was fortunate to be one of the 92 selected. Throughout my journey, I’ve been helped by many kind and wonderful people, to whom I’m eternally grateful.

The most rewarding recent experience has been my time in Academy Gold Rising, where I met amazing people. They have not only provided me with invaluable industry resources, which have helped me develop my professional knowledge and career path, but their kindness and generosity have also strengthened my confidence and resolve to pursue my dreams with a better mindset.

Kaihan, 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?

I work in the film and television editorial departments and am based in LA and Beijing. I graduated from New York Film Academy and Beijing Film Academy and entered the industry as an intern with Academy Gold Rising. During that time, I worked as one of five editors on a short film called “Estelle.” I moved to the United States from China two years ago. My deep curiosity and interest in diverse cultures have shaped my love for varied personal stories and values. This influences my work as an editor or assistant editor; I’m eager to adapt to others’ perspectives, to help tell stories in a way that serves those perspectives, and to explore different ways of working during my time as an assistant editor.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“Don’t Miss Out On Any Avocado Milkshakes” by Troy Takaki, ACE, is a book that is helpful in both industrial thinking and philosophy. It not only talks about how to be a good Film Editor but also delves into how to enjoy being a Film Editor. The book revolves around the conclusion he wrote at the end: “Be early, do great work, be full of joy.” This is something I always keep in mind.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many aspects I think are rewarding about being an artist. One aspect that always touches me deeply is letting unheard voices be heard. I believe every single individual’s whole life could be the subject of hundreds of movies. I enjoy serving as a storyteller and entering others’ perspectives. Sometimes I can find part of myself in it, and sometimes I really feel the human connection between us, even though we have different backgrounds, cultures, and values. But there’s always something common in humanity. When I get there, I feel a deep sense of kindness and connection with other voices in the world. I really admire this feeling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/whoiss_han?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kaihan-huang