We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yalian Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yalian, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents have been my unwavering pillars of support, guiding me with wisdom and kindness. They’ve consistently championed my autonomy and passions, making all the difference in my journey.
From the outset, they encouraged me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. Their unwavering belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to explore my interests with zeal.
What truly set them apart was their constant support. They stood by my choices – whether in education or career – without reservation. Their faith in me has been my driving force.
Equally important, my parents always respected my individuality. They listened to my thoughts, valued my opinions, and treated me as an equal. This mutual respect has been the foundation of our strong relationship.
In a world where conformity often takes center stage, I’m grateful for parents who let me chart my own course. Their empowering approach has shaped me into who I am today, and I carry their lessons of encouragement, support, and respect with me as I journey forward.
Yalian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Yalian Li is a filmmaker residing in Los Angeles. She currently serves as an associate programmer for the Santa Fe International Film Festival. She earned her BA from Baylor University at the age of 19 and her MFA in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California in 2021.
Her previous short films were distributed to Shorts TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and SAMANSA. Her films were screened at over than 30 film festivals including prominent Oscar-qualifying film festivals in the United States. The list includes Annapolis Film Festival, Riverrun International Film Festival, DeadCenter Film Festival, Dances with Films, FilmQuest Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival and Flicker Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Throughout her time at USC, she was granted the university’s most renowned student scholarships, including the James Bridges and Jack Larson scholarships, the Fox Fellowship Endowment, and the Irving Lerner Endowment Fund.
She 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.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely, the book “Rapport: Four Ways to Read People” by Emily Alison and Laurence Alison has been a game-changer for me.
This book taught me that true communication stems from honesty and empathy. It shifted my approach to management, encouraging open and candid dialogues with my team. In entrepreneurship, I’ve learned to listen actively, tailoring strategies to meet genuine needs.
Ultimately, the book’s emphasis on introspection has reshaped my philosophy. It’s not just about reading others; it’s about understanding myself and building connections based on trust and shared values.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Absolutely, the roller-coaster and unpredictable nature of our creative lives can be tough for non-creatives to fully grasp. Our journey isn’t a straight path. Projects twist unexpectedly, inspiration strikes at odd times, and challenges are as frequent as breakthroughs. The emotional ups and downs are part of the package too – from the exhilaration of creation to the self-doubt that often creeps in.
Our relationship with time is different too. Non-creatives might not realize the hours spent refining tiny details or waiting for ideas to click. And failure, which might seem negative, is often a stepping stone for us, pushing us to learn, grow, and innovate.
In a world that values stability, the artistic journey’s chaotic rhythm can be hard to convey. It’s about embracing uncertainty, diving into imagination, and navigating the unknown. For non-creatives, understanding our journey means appreciating the mesmerizing dance between creativity and its unique demands.
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