We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yalian Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yalian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My passion for writing was sparked during my middle school years when I found myself consistently drawn to fiction stories. While my peers were occupied with homework, sports, or music practice, I found the most pleasure in putting my thoughts into words. As I progressed into high school, I became increasingly interested in the world of filmmaking and wondered if I could translate my writing skills into that medium. However, I had doubts about my abilities and wasn’t sure if it was the right path for me.

During my college years, I took a variety of courses to explore my interests and discover my true passion. In the end, I realized that my love for filmmaking persisted and that it was the career path that resonated with me the most. Pursuing a career in the arts can be a challenging and competitive path, but I am eager to pursue it and see where it takes me.

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?

As a Korean-Chinese filmmaker based in Los Angeles, I’ve always been fascinated with the way storytelling can explore the complexities of human nature. My love for filmmaking began in middle school when I realized the joy and satisfaction I got from writing fictional stories. In high school, I started watching more films and began to wonder if I could apply my writing to filmmaking. After taking diverse courses in college, I realized that my passion for filmmaking had never waned.

One of my favorite genres is dark comedy, and I believe it has the power to bring levity to serious topics while provoking deeper thought and reflection. I’m particularly interested in using an outsider perspective to spark humor and offer a fresh take on familiar themes. I find that using humor to shed light on societal norms and human behavior can promote greater inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

I’m proud of my previous short films, which were distributed to Shorts TV and screened at over 30 film festivals, including prominent Oscar-qualifying film festivals in the United States such as Riverrun International Film Festival, DeadCenter Film Festival, and Flicker Rhode Island International Film Festival.

In addition to my creative work, I’ve also worked as an assistant director on the 2021 Chinese hit “The Day We Lit Up the Sky,” which grossed over 20 million dollars domestically in China.

Overall, I believe that my passion for storytelling, my commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity, and my love for using dark comedy to explore serious topics sets me apart from others in the industry. I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on audiences and the conversations it has sparked. I’m excited to continue creating thought-provoking content and to connect with potential clients, followers, and fans who share my passion for storytelling and exploring the human experience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is the journey itself. It’s like a wild roller coaster ride full of unexpected twists and turns, but it’s also incredibly exciting. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many talented individuals who have inspired me to become the filmmaker that I am today. A few of these individuals are people whom I admired in my childhood and never thought I would have the chance to meet, let alone work alongside. Being able to collaborate with these creative minds has been an incredibly rewarding experience that I am grateful for every day. It’s a reminder of how far I have come, but also how much more there is to learn and achieve in this ever-evolving industry. And despite the ups and downs, I find the journey to be immensely fulfilling and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

In my creative journey, I’ve learned that sometimes it can be challenging to navigate on your own. It’s okay to ask for help and to reach out to the people around you. When I was starting out, I wish I had known how many resources were available to me. It’s also important to remember that people around you want to help and support you. By asking for help, you may be surprised to find out just how much others are willing to lend a hand or offer guidance. In fact, some of the most valuable advice and opportunities I’ve received have come from simply reaching out to others and asking for their help. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and remember that you’re not alone on your creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/li_yalian/