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

Yihui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

The legacy I aspire to build is one of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries, amplifies underrepresented voices, and fosters understanding across diverse communities. I want my work to serve as a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds, sparking conversations about identity, gender, and cultural differences.

After I’m gone, I hope people will remember me as a filmmaker who wasn’t afraid to tackle challenging subjects, who brought depth and nuance to female characters, and who contributed to the visibility of Asian women in cinema. I want to be remembered for my dedication to creating films that are not just entertaining, but also meaningful and thought-provoking. My greatest hope is that my films will inspire future generations of filmmakers, especially women and minorities, to tell their own stories and continue pushing the boundaries of what cinema can achieve.

Ultimately, I want to leave behind a body of work that speaks to the universal human experience while highlighting the unique perspectives that come from different cultures. If my films can help to create a more inclusive and empathetic world, that’s the legacy I hope to leave.

Yihui, 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?

My name is Yihui Hu, and I am a filmmaker and storyteller who has always been passionate about using visual art to explore relationship between human and cultural differences. My journey into filmmaking began with a love for painting and storytelling from a young age. I initially expressed my narratives through a brush, but as I continued my studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts High School, I discovered that film was a more powerful medium for conveying my thoughts on society and culture.

During my time at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I immersed myself in the world of filmmaking, experimenting with various shooting techniques and narrative styles. I created short films, documentaries, and commercials that reflected my deep interest in culture, gender, and identity. My work is characterized by a focus on complex human emotions and the inner worlds of my characters, particularly women. I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for breaking down cultural barriers and fostering understanding across different communities.

What sets me apart is my commitment to exploring themes that are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream cinema. I strive to give a voice to Asian women and to promote Asian culture through my films. My work often delves into the nuances of identity, cultural differences, and gender, aiming to create a more inclusive narrative that resonates with a global audience.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my latest film, He, like many of my other works, explores themes of identity and family secrets, and it has been praised for its delicate emotional portrayal and suspenseful atmosphere. It’s a testament to my belief that films can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

My work is driven by a desire to tell stories that matter. Whether it’s through a short film, a documentary, or any other form of visual art, my goal is to create work that challenges perceptions, sparks conversations, and leaves a lasting impact. My brand is built on authenticity, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. I’m excited to continue creating films that push the boundaries of storytelling and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express myself and be understood through my work. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create something that resonates with others, where they can see a reflection of their own experiences, thoughts, or emotions. As an artist, I have the opportunity to speak out for myself and for those who may not have the platform or voice to do so. It’s about conveying stories, emotions, and ideas in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers, creating a shared connection with the audience.

When someone tells me that my work made them feel seen or understood, that’s when I know I’ve achieved something meaningful. It’s this ability to connect with others on a deep, emotional level that makes being a creative so rewarding. Ultimately, it’s about using art as a means of communication, advocacy, and connection—creating a dialogue that might not happen otherwise.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a female international filmmaker, my journey has been filled with challenges that have tested my resilience time and time again. There are always difficulties coming from all directions—whether it’s cultural differences, language barriers, or the inherent biases that exist in the industry.

One story that stands out to me is during the production of my film Beach House. This project was particularly challenging because it involved navigating cultural nuances and complex character dynamics, all while working with a diverse team from different backgrounds. As a filmmaker who was new to the industry and operating far from home, I faced skepticism and doubt from some people who questioned whether I could effectively tell a story that resonated with an international audience.

Despite these doubts, I remained committed to my vision. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the pressure, but I leaned on the passion that drives me—the desire to tell stories that matter and to amplify voices that are often unheard. I worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles, from securing funding to managing cultural differences on set, all while staying true to the story I wanted to tell.

In the end, Beach House not only came to life but was also recognized at several international film festivals, receiving awards and praise for its storytelling and emotional depth. This experience reinforced my belief that resilience is about persistence in the face of adversity and staying true to your vision, no matter the challenges. It’s about pushing forward, even when the path isn’t clear, and knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and strengthen your craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.huyihui.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestash_officialfilm/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yi-hui-hu
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onestash8801

Image Credits

Photos by Lawrence Q Hu/Tzuhung Cheng