We recently connected with Xinhui Wang and have shared our conversation below.

Xinhui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was born and raised in a small city in China. My dad used to get angry a lot when I was little, he was serious all the time and barely smiles. I remember it was a hot afternoon, I was 6 years old, me and my dad watched a movie together in our living room. I couldn’t understand the story of that movie, but I deeply remember how it made my dad laugh so loud. I looked at my dad and thought…movie is magic that could make my dad laugh. I think that’s how it all started. I fell in love with movies. When I was 17 years old, I decided to go to South Korea to study filmmaking in college. And I came to the U.S. about three years ago. I just graduated from USC as an MFA film production student December 2024.

Xinhui, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

During the past three years at USC, besides directing, I found myself gradually got interested in film editing. People say editing is like rewriting a story in the editing room–and it’s true! I think editing is the invisible art, because when done well, it seamlessly shapes a story without drawing attention to itself. It’s one of the most delicate stages of filmmaking, where the story truly comes alive. A scene can feel tense or relaxed, rushed or contemplative, based solely on how it’s cut. The delicate balance lies in letting moments breathe while keeping the audience engaged. Editors have the power to refine actors’ performances. Choosing the right take, framing, or reaction shot can shift a character’s emotional arc. The editor also determines what the audience sees, when they see it, and how much they know. As someone who jokes about “marrying” sound and picture, I see editing as a harmonious union. Dialogue, sound effects, and music don’t just accompany the visuals—they transform them. Also, knowing how to edit helps me make decisions on set as a director too.

I think filmmaking is about connecting with audiences through compelling stories. A strong storytelling instinct often helps recognize emotional beats, create tension, and deliver satisfying resolutions. It’s not just about what happens in a story but how it’s told visually, emotionally, and structurally. I usually like to improve this skill by watching movies not as an “audience”, but like a filmmaker–meaning, instead of passively watching movies, actively dissect them. Ask: Why does this scene work? How does this edit affect the mood?

I also like to practice writing: whether it’s scripts, short stories, or even journaling, writing helps sharpen my understanding of structure and character; and study classics and Innovators: dive into a range of films, from classics to experimental works, to see how storytelling conventions can be both followed and broken.

Having a strong technical foundation lets me focus on the creative aspects of my work without being held back by the “how.” Whether it’s editing software, or sound design, these tools bring my vision to life. I don’t think there’s a shortcut to improve this skill. My advice is just keep doing it! Keep practicing and one day you’ll find that you are getting comfortable with that software.

Filmmaking is a team effort. From pre-production to post-production, clear communication ensures that everyone is aligned, and everyone is making the same movie. And good collaboration fosters creativity. Being able to take direction, give constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts are invaluable skills. Collaborating on short films, even informal ones, helps me understand group dynamics and the importance of clear roles. Great collaborators know how to listen. Be open to others’ ideas and let them inform your creative process. Understanding how to navigate different personalities and emotional situations makes you a better leader and team player.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think supporting filmmakers requires a multi-dimensional approach that addresses both financial and cultural needs. Society can ease the financial pressures on filmmakers by offering accessible grants, tax incentives, and subsidies. Such support not only mitigates financial risk but also encourages creators to take bold risks, fostering innovation and originality in filmmaking.

In addition to financial backing, education plays a pivotal role in nurturing creative talent. Investing in film schools, workshops, and community-based learning programs equips emerging filmmakers with the technical skills and creative thinking necessary to excel. This educational foundation helps build a strong pipeline of talent ready to push the boundaries of storytelling and contribute to a vibrant creative community.

Access to resources and dedicated creative spaces is also essential. Affordable studios, co-working spaces, and production facilities create hubs where filmmakers can collaborate, experiment, and bring their visions to life. These environments encourage networking and idea-sharing, enabling creative partnerships that often lead to groundbreaking projects.

Furthermore, celebrating film as an art form through festivals, local screenings, and award shows can elevate the profile of filmmakers and inspire both creators and audiences alike. Public recognition and celebration not only validate the creative efforts of filmmakers but also stimulate audience engagement, ensuring that compelling stories reach a wider community.

Lastly, mentorship and networking opportunities are indispensable for sustaining a dynamic creative ecosystem. When experienced professionals share their insights and guidance with emerging talent, it creates a supportive culture of continuous learning and growth. This exchange of ideas and expertise not only sharpens the skills of individual filmmakers but also strengthens the creative community as a whole.

By combining financial support, robust education, accessible resources, cultural celebration, and mentorship, society can create an environment where filmmakers are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and thrive—ultimately enriching our cultural landscape and driving artistic and economic growth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an editor/filmmaker is the power to breathe life into a story. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking raw footage or ideas and transforming them into a narrative that resonates with people. Every cut, transition, and effect is a deliberate creative choice that helps build an emotional journey for the audience.

It’s also the collaborative process that makes this work so fulfilling. Working alongside talented individuals—from cinematographers and sound designers to writers and actors—allows me to blend diverse perspectives into a single vision. When all those elements come together on screen, it’s a tangible reminder of what creative teamwork can achieve.

The continuous learning and experimentation involved in the craft keep it exciting. With new technology and storytelling techniques emerging all the time, each project becomes a fresh opportunity to push boundaries and refine your skills. Knowing that my work has the potential to evoke emotions, spark conversations, or even change perspectives is what truly makes this field rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xinhuiwwang/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xinhui–wang02091998?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BJqH4q8WORMqeV2WfeLC8iQ%3D%3D