We recently connected with Yalan Hu and have shared our conversation below.
Yalan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Over the years, I’ve worked on a variety of projects – narrative features, documentaries, reality shows, you name it. The ones that stuck with me are those I could relate to not just as a creative, but also those that reflect my cultural identity. When COVID hit, I felt a deep resonance with my identity as a Chinese American, which came under scrutiny and attack. I felt the urge to tell stories about China, not as a nation, but about its resilient people and rich culture forged through millennia of perseverance. I started to direct a documentary series called The Glory of Global Chinese. It is a series dedicated to stories about first and second-generation Chinese immigrants in America, highlighting their contributions to the Chinese American community and their ongoing struggle against discrimination. Through the lens of diverse individuals – including lawyers, professors, community activists, and artists – the series sheds light on the progress and challenges faced by Asian Americans in achieving social equality.
My focus in the show extends to the realm of Chinese art. Working with esteemed American museums, my documentaries became a stage to showcase how Chinese artworks are curated and conserved in America, and why museums are still relevant in a digital age. Through five episodes filmed at institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Art Institute of Chicago, I reveal the dedication of curators, conservators, and scientists who preserve these cultural treasures. Although Asian galleries are prevalent in nearly every comprehensive American museum, departments like Western art and Mediterranean art tend to have an easier time securing funding and staff compared to Asian art departments. During the production, I received overwhelming support from all the participating museums because there hasn’t been enough focus on telling stories about them and their contributions to Asian art.
The Glory of Global Chinese is available for streaming on NBC Universal’s Jubao TV across all major platforms including Xfinity, Sling, and Plex. You can find a direct link to the The Metropolitan Museum of Art episode here: https://play.xumo.com/
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a storyteller at heart, an independent producer and director with over a decade of experience in the international market. Growing up in a mid-sized city in China during the 90s, movies were my escape, my window to the wider world. They offered solace and connection during life’s toughest moments, sparking my lifelong passion for storytelling. The first six years of my career, I worked as a TV producer and director for several popular reality shows and travel documentaries for Chinese television and streamers. It gave me the opportunity to tour around the world for content and start building connections with international teams. It was fascinating to see that although the production workflow could vary in different countries, the essence of storytelling was universal. As my career advanced, I felt a pull to focus on projects closer to my heart – narratives and documentaries that explore minority identities and the everyday struggles of women. In 9 Month Project, I tackle the heartbreaking reality and brutality of infant trafficking and illegal adoption in Sri Lanka. Doll It Up takes a dark comedic look at the objectification of women in marriage. Making films for my community has become the driving force in my life.
It’s equally vital for me to champion minority voices like mine as an independent producer. I produced a diverse array of projects, including short films, music videos, feature films, and documentaries, collaborating with directors from varied backgrounds to amplify non-mainstream perspectives. These projects have spanned the spectrum from studio-level budget films to indie endeavors, but my dedication to each remained the same. Among my producing credits are Courtroom 3H, a feature documentary exploring parental rights over minors within the American justice system, Sound of The Police, a Hulu documentary tracing the history of policing in America, and Baby Blue music video that shows the hardship a young woman goes through chasing her dream. As we’re speaking, I just finished producing a horror feature film set in north Florida about a young black girl’s journey to discover her identity and ancestry. When I step into the role of a producer, authenticity and personal connection are non-negotiable. My projects are reflections of my values and a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a filmmaker, for me, is witnessing my audience connect with and appreciate my creative vision. When I can bring my ideas to life without compromise during production and then see the audience’s positive reception upon the project’s release, it’s truly magical. I vividly recall watching Sound of The Police at an AMC theatre during its release. The sheer pride and joy I felt as the audience deeply connected with the film made all the hard work worthwhile.
Similarly, The Glory of Global Chinese museum episodes were screened in-person at Bowers Museum in Orange County and the experience was unforgettable. Being a show that is primarily streaming online, these in-person screenings provided invaluable opportunities for instant and honest feedback from the audience. Out of the 24 episodes aired, the one I directed about The Metropolitan Museum of Art was even selected by the production company for submission to the Daytime Emmy Awards in the News & Documentary category. Moments like these truly validate the creative journey and make all the hard work worthwhile.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
There are nuanced aspects of the filmmaking journey that non-creatives might not fully understand, especially in the role of a producer. One prevalent misconception is that producers solely manage finances. While budgeting and financing are integral, a producer’s role extends far beyond monetary concerns. We’re involved from the inception of the project, shaping the initial idea and script development, all the way through to the final delivery of the film. For instance, as a producer, I’m currently in the developmental stage of a feature film, where a significant aspect of my role involves giving comprehensive story notes to the writer for revisions. There’s truly no task too grand or too small on a producer’s plate.
Moreover, there’s often an emphasis on individual recognition in the film industry, with actors, directors, and producers typically receiving the spotlight. However, filmmaking is truly a collaborative effort that relies on the contributions of a vast team of professionals. I believe the most crucial job of a producer is to put together the most kick-ass team possible, while the director’s role is to draw out the utmost talents from each individual on set to realize their vision. We call it “movie magic”, but it is not magic in reality, it is craftsmanship from each professional who contributes to this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yalanhufilms.com/
- Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9943845/