We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mengqiao (Esther) Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mengqiao (Esther), thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My thesis film, which I’m currently working on, is the most meaningful project to me. It began not just as a script or an idea, but as a deeply personal journey. I always believed that stories are best told when they resonate with the storyteller, and this film was precisely that for me.

The inception of this film dates back to a particular period in my life when I was grappling with the notions of identity, connection, and the thin line between vulnerability and strength. The vast snowy landscapes, the intricacies of human relationships, and the nuances of Eve and Hedy’s dynamics are metaphors for the emotional terrains I was navigating at that time.

Working on this film was therapeutic. It wasn’t just about creating a narrative for the audience but also about understanding myself better. The characters of Eve and Hedy, in particular, hold fragments of my emotions, experiences, and reflections. Every scene, every dialogue was a mirror to my past, my anxieties, and my aspirations.

Creating this film was like stitching together a tapestry of memories, lessons, and hopes. It represents my personal growth, my struggles, and, most importantly, my journey to find meaning in the chaos of life. Every time I watch it or discuss it, I’m reminded of where I was, where I am now, and how this film has been an anchor during turbulent times. It’s not just a project; it’s a piece of my soul.

Mengqiao (Esther), 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’m a passionate filmmaker, rooted in both the technical and artistic aspects of storytelling. My journey began during my teenage years when I was gifted a camera. Captivated by the power of visual narrative, I dived headfirst into the world of cinema, gradually honing my craft through both formal education and hands-on experiences.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing multiple hats within the industry, from director to a producer. My primary focus has been on creating stories that resonate deeply with the human experience, bringing to light the nuances of relationships, emotions, and the myriad complexities of life.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge technical prowess with an innate understanding of human emotions. My films are not just visually appealing; they strike a chord, evoking thought and emotion. The landscapes, characters, and dialogue are all meticulously crafted to mirror real-life experiences, ensuring relatability and impact.

I’m immensely proud of a recent project, a film that was as much a personal journey as it was a cinematic endeavor. It encapsulates my belief that stories should resonate with both the creator and the audience.

To potential friends, I’d like you to know that every project I undertake is a labor of love. My commitment to authenticity, coupled with technical expertise, ensures that every story I tell is both genuine and captivating. I am built on integrity, passion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence in storytelling. Whether it’s a commercial, a short film, or a feature-length narrative, my goal is to evoke, inspire, and connect.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the ability to breathe life into intangible emotions, thoughts, and experiences, molding them into tangible forms that resonate with others. It’s a unique form of alchemy, turning the abstract into something concrete. Every time a viewer or an audience member connects with my work, feeling a reflection of their own emotions or gaining a new perspective, it reaffirms the magic of storytelling and the power of art. The act of creation is deeply personal, yet its impact is universal, bridging gaps between cultures, generations, and experiences. This shared connection, the mutual understanding that blossoms from a simple story or image, is truly the pinnacle of fulfillment for me as a creator.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One profound lesson I had to unlearn was the concept that perfection, both in characters and in the filmmaking process, was the ultimate goal. The seeds of this realization were sown during the development of one of my earlier films.

In the initial stages, I was consumed with crafting characters that were impeccable, thinking that they would be more relatable and loved by the audience. However, during a script reading session, I realized that the lack of depth and authenticity in these “perfect” personas. They lacked the quirks, flaws, and vulnerabilities that make humans relatable and real.

Taking this feedback to heart, I reworked the characters, imbuing them with layers of depth, flaws, and vulnerabilities. The result was, audiences connected deeply, seeing reflections of their struggles and triumphs in these more grounded characters.

Moreover, during the shoot, I was often caught in the trap of seeking the perfect shot or the perfect take. This quest not only strained our schedule and budget but also sometimes robbed scenes of their spontaneous magic. Once, while chasing a “perfect” sunset shot, we ended up with an unexpected rain shower. Instead of packing up, we decided to roll with it, capturing a beautifully raw and unplanned moment that became one of the film’s highlights.

Through these experiences, I realized that in storytelling and filmmaking, perfection isn’t about flawlessness. It’s about authenticity, capturing the imperfections that make life and characters genuine and compelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oliviazmq03.wixsite.com/estherz
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/xxmmqiao?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr