We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ruonan Jiang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ruonan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Art often draws from personal experiences, and, in turn, it can inspire others to reflect on their own lives. In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity of filming a documentary that became one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. It tells the story of Mingdong Gan, a young man who overcame a turbulent childhood as a left-behind child in China’s Sichuan Mountains to become a ranger navigating fatherhood while taking care of a rescued wild animal and protecting his homeland’s biodiversity.
Initially, my intention as a filmmaker and nature enthusiast was to explore the work of rangers and their motivations for such a risky, selfless job. I imagined a story driven by passion for wildlife, where the protagonist’s commitment to nature might even outweigh personal ties. But as I spent more time with Gan, immersing myself in his life and his world, I uncovered a far deeper and more moving truth. For him, being a ranger wasn’t about leaving everything behind to follow his passion; it was about staying rooted—to his children, his family, and his homeland. In his village, family bonds hold everything together.
This revelation deeply moved me. Growing up in a bustling urban environment where the pressure of work and fast-paced lifestyle often lead people to overlook authentic, everyday emotions, I had rarely paused to reflect on how love and connection shape our decisions. My protagonist’s story taught me that these ties are not mundane—they’re essential. His courage to prioritize his family while navigating his responsibilities as a ranger, his quiet fight to mend the bonds fractured by his own childhood, and his determination to create a loving home deeply resonated with me.
This project transformed not only the way I approach storytelling in a more open-minded mindset but also how I view the world around me. It was a personal exploration of what it means to connect deeply—with others, with the land, and with oneself.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Ruonan Jiang, a fiction and non-fiction filmmaker with a creative base spanning China and the U.S. My storytelling is deeply inspired by my cultural heritage and centers on social issues and environment concerns, often exploring how these topics intertwine.
In the past few years, I gained experience in producing different formats of media content, including a Chinese variety show, a feature film that reflects situations of Wuhan healthcare workers during the pandemic, several fictional shorts that delve into the intricate dynamics of women’s roles as mothers and daughters, and a feature documentary about China’s first transgender woman. I also directed some short documentaries that explore the relationship between nature and humans.
To me, filmmaking is a process of observation, synthesis, and heartfelt creation. I value honesty and sincerity in my work, striving to forge emotional connections and spark reflection. Through my films, I aim to transform my love for life into stories that resonate and inspire.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
We live in a challenging era where conflicts persist, polarization deepens, and misinformation saturates our lives. For both artists and audiences, finding peace in creating and appreciating art has become increasingly difficult. Yet, in these turbulent times, the role of art becomes more vital—not just as a free form of expression but as a transformative tool for reflection, connection, and healing.
To support this essential role, society can take several steps. First, we can build bridges for artists from diverse backgrounds by supporting projects that amplify different voices. By fostering understanding through varied perspectives, art can counter polarization and create spaces for constructive dialogue about pressing social and political issues. These spaces should emphasize empathy and shared humanity, using art as a catalyst for connection.
Second, despite inevitable biases and preferences, society needs more independent platforms that uphold artistic freedom. Such platforms allow creators to explore nuanced truths and share their unique stories, free from external pressures. This independence is crucial for art to remain authentic and impactful.
Third, the voices of the audience matter profoundly. Their reactions and interpretations reflect the dynamic relationship between creators and society. Establishing collaborative spaces and channels for audiences to share their thoughts can foster resonance, spark dialogue, and magnify social impact.
Finally, it is also essential to erase boundaries by bringing art to underserved areas, such as rural communities without theaters, and to non-traditional venues that can reach broader audiences. Making art accessible in these ways ensures that its transformative power can touch every corner of society.
By embracing these strategies, society can nurture an environment where art thrives, artists feel supported, and audiences find deeper connections and meaning in the creative experience.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is the opportunity to absorb and learn from both our own stories and the stories of others, crafting them into a world on screen that fosters connection. Through storytelling, we share emotions, exchange ideas, and explore diverse perspectives. It’s fascinating to discover the common themes that unite us, as well as the unique, even conflicting voices that shape our experiences.
Sometimes, even the most opposing ideologies reveal underlying layers of understanding and love, reminding us of our shared humanity. Art provides an open space where people can project and reflect their own experiences and values. As an artist, I find immense satisfaction and excitement when audiences resonate with my work or offer different, even challenging interpretations. These interactions not only validate the power of art to inspire dialogue but also push me to think deeper and continue learning about the world.
Image Credits
Ruonan Jiang