Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yufei Fu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yufei, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is The Witch Pricker and the Hare, my thesis film at the American Film Institute. It’s a project that brought together the brilliant talents and relentless dedication of AFI fellows, and I’m proud to have been involved from the very beginning—taking full charge of post-production, from editing to visual effects.

Set during Scotland’s 16th-century witch trials, the story follows an infamous witch pricker who struggles to execute a particularly clever witch when their true identity is at risk of being exposed. It’s a dark, allegorical tale rooted in history but deeply relevant to our present. I’ve always been drawn to stories about mysterious, marginalized individuals—those who survive and maintain their dignity in a world determined to silence them. This film became a vessel to explore those unheard voices and unspoken pains that persist across time. As much as it’s about the past, it reflects the ongoing struggles of people who are deprived of power and forced to endure in unpredictable, unjust circumstances.

From a production standpoint, we set ourselves a bold challenge: recreating 16th-century Scotland in downtown Los Angeles, shooting on 35mm film, and wrapping post-production on a tight budget and an even tighter timeline. We worked with Fotokem for the film processing, and I had the rare chance to learn firsthand how to handle and finish a film shot on celluloid. It was an intense, hands-on learning experience that pushed me to grow quickly. Within just two months, I edited the film, built the temp sound design and VFX, and delivered it to the 2024 AFI Festival.

This project wasn’t just artistically ambitious—it was a test of resilience, resourcefulness, and belief in the power of collaboration. It reminded me that no matter how technology evolves, or how the media landscape changes, the core of storytelling remains the same: to listen, to understand, and to give voice to those who’ve been silenced. The Witch Pricker and the Hare is both humble and bold. We made something meaningful with very little. And now, I carry that confidence with me into every creative challenge I face.

Yufei, 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?

Yes, I’m Phoebe Fu—and yes, I recently started my own small film company: Phoebe Film Company. It’s named after me, not just out of vanity, but because Phoebe is also the name of Saturn’s ninth moon. As an amateur filmmaker and a professional astrology enthusiast, the symbolism runs deep for me. Phoebe is the only one of Saturn’s major satellites that orbits against the planet’s rotation, and it’s covered in mysterious, dark material. It’s a little odd, a little rebellious, and definitely memorable—just like the kinds of stories I want to tell.

Even though I graduated from film school, I often joke that I’m a professional astrologer first and a filmmaker second. But in truth, I’m a lifelong learner in both fields. The Phoebe Film Company is a reflection of my personal vision: to tell bold, unexpected stories that explore identity, transformation, and the unseen forces—cosmic or human—that shape our lives.

Right now, we’re focused on producing 2–3 small-budget films per year. We don’t place restrictions on length or format; what matters most is creative integrity. We specialize in post-production, which I believe is more vital than ever in an age of limited production resources—especially for indie projects and emerging TV-series shorts. With strong relationships across the industry, we also help connect filmmakers with producers and collaborators who understand their vision.

Currently, we’re partnering with a few small tech companies venturing into TV-series shorts, helping them develop stories and build creative teams. Meanwhile, I’m writing my own narrative, which I plan to adapt as both a short film and a serialized project.

This company is still in its early stages—I started it just a few months ago—and every bit of support means the world. Whether it’s a new connection, a creative partnership, or simply a word of encouragement, it all matters. I’m excited to grow this community and share the journey with anyone who believes in storytelling with soul. Welcome to PHOEBE.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was working with my thesis team, I was also dealing with a family lawsuit at the same time. It was a really dark period—my first real experience trying to balance my career with personal life. No exaggeration, both my family’s business and my mental health were at great risk during that time. It was the first time I truly understood what it meant to take responsibility for my family and fight for both them and myself. Before that, I could just coast through life without much responsibility, and everyone else took care of me.

On the day I left my aunt’s house, I had a serious argument with her. As a result, all my personal belongings were thrown out onto the street by my aunt. In that moment, something strange happened—I didn’t feel regret, I didn’t feel anger; instead, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It was a peace and freedom that I hadn’t experienced in the two months of enduring the family lawsuit. I realized, right there on the street, that I had nothing left but myself—and that was enough.

I came into this world with nothing, and here I was, rediscovering the simple happiness of having only my passion for filmmaking and the basics of life. The freedom I felt in that moment was indescribable. I didn’t need those expensive belongings to be who I am. That feeling reignited my passion for filmmaking—the simplest joy I’ve known. At least I had myself.

The loss of a family relationship and the struggle through the lawsuit initially made me sad, but ultimately, it made me more independent—not just as a person, but as a filmmaker. The experience was so dramatic that I feel compelled to tell this story, perhaps through a film or a short TV series.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to communicate and connect with others on a deeply emotional level. Art, particularly film, has this unique power to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences. As a filmmaker, I’m always striving to create work that invites audiences to see the world from a different perspective—whether it’s through the lens of someone who’s been marginalized, a historical figure with an untold story, or an everyday moment that’s usually overlooked.

What makes it even more fulfilling is the process itself—the challenge of taking an idea, a feeling, or an image and transforming it into something that resonates with others. The creative journey is often one of uncertainty and struggle, but it’s in those moments of doubt where growth happens. When I’m editing or directing, I’m constantly refining, searching for the best way to tell a story that’s both true to my vision and meaningful to others.

But ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how your work moves people. When someone tells me that a film I made made them laugh, cry, or think differently about the world, that’s when I feel truly accomplished. It’s not about recognition, but about the connection—the way a story can touch a person’s heart or change their view, even if just for a moment. That’s why I do what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16611256/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_cr
• Instagram: Yufei.fu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yufei.fu.33?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4UcqHFhMwdABq5zBOYuBw
• Other: My IMDb page goes by name “Yufei Fu”.

Image Credits

Yifan Lyu