We were lucky to catch up with Shiyu (cathy) Zhao recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shiyu (Cathy), looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
For me, success is creating meaningful films. It’s not just about producing something visually or technically impressive but about telling stories that resonate, challenge perspectives, and make people think. I believe filmmaking is one of the most powerful ways to capture the complexities of life, reveal hidden truths, and give voice to those who are often unheard.
My journey in film has taught me that success isn’t about glamour—it’s about persistence, problem-solving, and pushing beyond comfort zones. Whether it’s learning new editing skills, navigating difficult collaborations, or finding creative solutions with limited resources, every step has demanded resilience and adaptability. When I started, I didn’t have access to professional sets or resources, so I took the initiative to connect with others and learn from their experiences. I worked as a Production Assistant on numerous student film sets, observing how stories were crafted and how productions were streamlined to convey those stories effectively.
Filmmaking is deeply collaborative, and success also means building meaningful connections with others. It’s about understanding the director’s vision, balancing creative input from different team members, and being discerning about suggestions. When I was writing Outcast, a story inspired by my personal experiences of being verbally bullied by individuals who didn’t realize their words or actions were harmful, I sought advice from friends and my producer. I carefully evaluated the feedback I found most valuable and conducted online research to uncover stories and insights from others with similar experiences. Drawing on these diverse perspectives, I’ve come to understand that the most compelling stories are rooted in empathy—whether it’s about understanding the characters on screen or the real people whose lives the story reflects.
Beyond the technical and collaborative aspects, I see success in film as the ability to create work that makes an impact. I want to tell stories that shine a light on societal issues, expose injustices, or inspire people to see the world differently. Whether through editing, writing, or directing, I strive to create films that are not only entertaining but also meaningful. Success, for me, is about crafting work that has the power to inform, heal, or challenge—something that resonates deeply with others and leaves a lasting impact beyond the screen.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a filmmaker who is deeply passionate about storytelling that challenges perspectives, brings forward marginalized voices, and illuminates societal issues. My journey in filmmaking went through a variety of roles—editor, assistant producer, and makeup artist—that have each deepened my understanding of the collaborative process behind filmmaking.
During my time as an administrative assistant at Roddenberry Entertainment, I gained valuable experience in story and show development, refining my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. I am currently improving my technical and creative skills as an editing student at the American Film Institute (AFI). As an editor, I see every production as a collaborative effort, working closely with directors and team members to explore creative possibilities. I provide thoughtful suggestions and fresh perspectives to enhance the story, often helping collaborators view their work in a new light. Through this cooperative approach, I contribute unique elements to each project, ensuring the final product is both original and impactful.
My work varies from films and documentaries, with a strong focus on themes that delve into complex emotions and pressing social issues. Projects such as Outcast, inspired by my personal experiences with verbal bullying, and A Notice of a Missing-Persons Column, which explores gender preference and familial coercion, highlight my commitment to crafting empathy-driven narratives that encourage reflection and meaningful dialogue.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is my belief in storytelling’s ability to make a difference. I see it as a powerful way to evoke emotion, inspire change, and create connection. Through my work, I aim to amplify underrepresented voices, highlight important societal issues, and spark meaningful conversations.
My goal is to create films that resonate deeply with audiences and draw attention to important societal issues. In every role I take on as a filmmaker, I strive to craft stories that are both visually striking and emotionally impactful, offering fresh perspectives on the world and inspiring meaningful reflection. To me, film is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful way to raise awareness, inspire action, and leave a lasting impact on those who watch it.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During one project, the director and I had very different visions for how key scenes should be executed, which led to frequent disagreements and challenging discussions. Despite the tension, I remained committed to open communication and collaboration, doing my best to articulate my ideas while also trying to understand the director’s perspective. Dealing with these differences required patience, flexibility, and the ability to take a step back and rethink my approach.
The experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, including the importance of remaining composed under pressure, balancing conviction with compromise, and finding solutions even when collaboration is challenging. It also reinforced the need for clear communication and adaptability in creative partnerships, skills I continue to apply in every project I undertake.
Image Credits
Jikun Neil Hao, Xiaoyi Luo, Mingyuan Gao, Ziyu Dai, Andy Liu, Xiaoyi Luo