Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shengfang Lyu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shengfang, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

When I first became interested in filmmaking, I just picked up my camera and started shooting, trying to mimic some scenes that I saw in films. I also watched some YouTube videos and tried to learn some basic knowledge. But at that stage, it was more like just playing around and getting myself satisfied. Later on, I became more and more serious about it and decided to pursue it as my future career, so I went to film school, which I believe would make me a professional filmmaker.

Knowing what I know now, I think the best way to speed up the learning process is to go work on different film sets — no matter the job or the type of set, you will learn more than you think.

I believe one of the most important skills is the ability to adapt to changes. As filmmakers, we always run into unexpected problems. Part of our job is problem-solving and thinking creatively — it’s also the fun and challenging part.

For me, the obstacle that stood in the way of learning more was my introverted personality. Looking back now, it has cost me some opportunities to connect with more people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Shengfang Lyu, and I’m a filmmaker. When I decided to go into filmmaking, it was purely on impulse. At that time, I wasn’t sure if following this impulse was the right decision; I just knew it was something I truly loved. Looking back over the years, I’m grateful for that impulse because my passion for filmmaking hasn’t diminished—it has only grown stronger.

Film, or video, is incredibly fascinating to me. It’s not just a platform for storytelling but also a way to shape time. It comes in all sorts of styles, yet it always resonates with people in some way. For me, this medium allows me to express and convey feelings I might not want to openly show. It lets me share my observations and insights about the world around me. This is very important to me—it provides me with emotional value and gives me the chance to offer viewers the emotional value they need.

My work focuses on reality, drawing from what I see and hear in the world. I see writing stories and making films as a way to document life through fiction. I tend to avoid dramatic storylines that try to manipulate the audience’s emotions. Instead, I prefer a more subtle approach, embedding small details in each scene for viewers to notice. To me, this reflects real life more accurately. We don’t experience dramatic twists and turns every day, nor do we encounter constant coincidences. In our seemingly ordinary, day-to-day lives, there are many small details that often go unnoticed. These could be a fleeting glance, a quiet sigh, or a tiny tear. I believe our deepest emotions are often hidden beneath the surface, and it’s these small, overlooked details that reveal the deeper stories within us.

Right now, I’m transitioning to become an editor. I discovered a deep interest in the editing process while working on my own films. The way images and sounds come together and transform deeply fascinates me, and I want to explore more possibilities through it. So, I’m dedicating time to seriously study editing. I believe this will give me a fresh perspective on filmmaking.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find the most rewarding aspect to be the moment when your audience resonates with your work. It feels like sitting down with strangers who suddenly find a profound connection, despite never having known each other before. Whenever someone tells me that a particular scene evoked memories or thoughts in them, I feel as though the barrier between life and the screen has been transcended. In a way, we mutually support each other because we realize that our feelings are shared, and in this world, at least one other person understands and empathizes with you.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

First, I am driven by a desire to connect with my audience and spark discussions. At the same time, I want to show the people around me what life looks like through my eyes, inviting them to discover the beauty in the overlooked details of everyday life. Also, the personal fulfillment I get from this process continually drives me to create more.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.lyuu/