We recently connected with Shiouwen Hong and have shared our conversation below.

Shiouwen, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the projects that means a lot to me personally and professionally is my short doc ‘A Porvenir Story’ filmed in Honduras. This was my first doc film that started my journey as a documentary filmmaker, it was exciting, challenging and one of the most rewarding experiences.

I partnered with an NGO, Honduras Child Alliance, through which I had the chance to document Honduran families and what it takes for parents to support their kids’ education. The project was meaningful because it was humbling for me to witness firsthand the families’ love and devotion to each other, given their tough circumstances. I also learned how much courage it took to share their vulnerable and intimate moments. It was the first time I felt the power of a camera and the responsibility behind it. Despite the fact I don’t speak Spanish, we managed to communicate with love and respect. I knew then it was something I wanted to continue pursuing, and that’s what I did. I am grateful for this project that led me down the path where I found my voice.

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

I am a documentary filmmaker and also a freelance branded content videographer. After graduating from SVA’s Computer Art program in New York, I started off as a motion graphic designer and animator for commercials, TV & film. During those years, I learned my craft in post production and over time I was compelled to tell my own stories. After moving to LA, I picked up a camera, and started shooting personal ideas and spec commercials when there was spare time.

After a while, I started questioning my directing path and wanted to take a break to readjust. One day while I was searching for an answer by looking up other directors’ work, I started to ask myself – ‘what do I love to do the most?’ The answer seemed so obvious – it was and always has been, travel, to learn different cultures and meet inspiring people.

I can’t think of anything that combines travel and storytelling better than making documentaries. Since then, I have been producing and directing documentaries abroad and at home, working with nonprofits, and brands that are interested in personal or lifestyle stories. My strong suit is capturing the authentic moments from the subjects I work with, particularly the strength they sometimes don’t even see in themselves. Everyone wants to be seen and heard, and my job is to do just that.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I wish I had unlearned the idea of ‘waiting for the perfect opportunity’ sooner. I’d say don’t wait for anything to come to you, just go for it, create your own opportunities. It might sound obvious, but when I was in the thick of feeling stuck, this concept felt so unrealistic. When I was building my directorial portfolio, I was stuck in the mindset of creating popular or trendy content, hoping to attract attention and commercial projects. It didn’t work as I wished. After spending so much time creating ‘passion’ projects, it was the worst feeling knowing I wasn’t even passionate about what I created.

Only after I began creating my own projects, where I focused on my own voice, rather than waiting for something to land in my lap, did I start to feel momentum. The work started to attract attention itself, and the working opportunities followed. It is an invaluable lesson for me to believe that if you have an idea, go and make it happen. Don’t wait. The reality is people with resources will only come to you when you prove you can make something happen with nothing.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part being a filmmaker/ storyteller is I get to connect and learn from the amazing people in different parts of the world. Sometimes the fast information in our era could be overwhelming and generate one-dimensional views of others. I have been interested in stories that are under- or mis-represented. Through my films, I am hoping to share stories that will inspire others to create positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shiouwenhong.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiouwenhong/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiouwen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shiouwenhong

Image Credits
All photos are taken by Shiouwen Hong