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

Taige, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My creative drive began early in life when I was a child actor in films. At the age of seven, I was invited to act in a movie by one of my mother’s friends. For the first time, I saw the process of creating moving images on the screen and was fascinated. Working with the adults on set and observing their passion for their work inspired me to put my heart and soul into my own work. I continued to work as a child actor and seized opportunities to collaborate with multiple Chinese movie stars, such as Sammo Hung and Xiaoming Huang. This unique experience made me want to find my own audience and have them hear my voice. It also taught me that excellent works require strong communication on both sides of the camera.

As I grew older, I eventually stopped acting as a child actor, but my creative urge did not stop. Instead, it became apparent to me that I needed to be in the entertainment industry. Thus, I decided to come to the United States to pursue my dream as a storyteller and a director.

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

I am a mixture of cultures, an embodiment of constant conflicts, and a fusion of Oriental and Western traditions. As a lone traveler, I have journeyed to different places including Guangzhou, Berlin, Boston, Locarno, and California, endlessly exploring my identity and the world. Born in Guangzhou, a city in southern China, my life has taken a different path from most of my peers. My parents come from two different backgrounds: my father’s family immigrated to Boston in the early 1990s, and my mother hails from a small city near Shanghai. This exposure to different perspectives from a young age has made the arts a perfect fit for me, allowing me to see the world through others’ eyes.

I’ve always been at the crossroads of different traditions and viewpoints. This unique upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for the arts as a medium through which to understand and connect with diverse perspectives.

I came to the United States to pursue my dreams as an artist, focusing on creating art that connects people from diverse cultural and sociological backgrounds. As a director, I always envision myself as someone who helps convert visions into reality, whether it’s my own or someone else’s.

My time as an international artist has been marked by a series of significant achievements. Notably, I was chosen as a student critic for the 70th Locarno International Film Festival and have directed several short films. My documentary project “Gaku,” initiated in 2021, aims to shed light on social issues affecting Asian communities in the U.S.

My short film “Reconnect” was selected for multiple international film festivals, including making it to the semifinals of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, which is an Oscar-qualifying festival, as well as being featured in notable film festivals like Newfilmmakers NY and the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest. I was also nominated for Best Director at the 5th Asian Film Festival Los Angeles Hollywood in 2023 for this short.

I am currently finalizing my narrative short, “Koi,” which has been recognized as a finalist for the Sloan Production Award. Moreover, I’ve been entrusted by Human Rights Watch to direct a short film on social commentary, further underscoring my commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.

Additionally, I have served as a screener for the 38th and 39th International Documentary Association Awards and the 84th annual George Foster Peabody Awards’ documentary category in 2024.

As I look to the future, my goal is to continue my journey as an independent filmmaker, leveraging my unique background and insights to tell stories that matter. My work is not just about creating art; it’s about initiating dialogues, bridging divides, and bringing to light the stories that need to be told. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is built on the foundation of empathy, diversity, and the relentless pursuit of understanding. Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery, as we navigate the myriad stories that shape our world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative lies in the profound ability to connect with others on a deeply emotional and intellectual level. It’s about bridging the gaps between different cultures, experiences, and perspectives through the universal language of art. Every piece I create or story I tell carries a piece of myself and my worldview, yet it transcends personal boundaries, resonating with people from all walks of life. Screening your works and finding an unexpected audience provides a feeling of surprise and fulfillment that is unmatched.

Exploring and expressing the complexities of human experiences, especially those that are often overlooked or misunderstood, offers a sense of fulfillment unlike any other. In documentaries, this allows me to highlight stories that might otherwise remain hidden, giving a voice to those who have been silenced or marginalized. The role of storytelling as a tool for empathy and change is what I find most gratifying.

Moreover, the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that accompanies the creative process is incredibly rewarding. Each project challenges me to look deeper into myself and the world around me, pushing me to evolve not only as an artist but also as a human being. In this way, my work becomes a constant dialogue with the world, a means of questioning, understanding, and ultimately, connecting.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Well, I feel that people who are not in the creative fields often struggle to understand the uncertain nature of our work. Most of the time, we don’t have a clear or fixed schedule and must adapt based on projects. Additionally, the time gap between projects can vary significantly.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: 0826tiger
• Facebook: Tiger Shi
• Linkedin: Taige Shi
• Twitter: 0826tiger

Image Credits
Armando Gray Xinqi Huang