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For Shuyao Chen, filmmaking and photojournalism aren’t all that different. Her interest in journalism has defined her ethos when it comes to storytelling. She strives to write and direct films that feel true to life, showcasing East Asian stories not often seen on screen. Chen is already making her mark in the film industry and plans to do much more.
Chen left her hometown of Wenzhou, China, to attend Penn State in 2013. By the time she graduated with a degree in photojournalism, Chen knew she wanted to channel her creativity into filmmaking. She started studying film at NYU in 2018. Her time in America sparked an interest in telling Chinese American stories. Chen is often inspired by real-life events because of her background in journalism. It gives her a distinctive perspective, along with her dedication to bridging Chinese, American, and queer stories.
Winter By The River, Chen’s first short film, is a story woven around her father’s adolescent experiences in China in the 1970s and ‘80s. Chen brings to life the struggle of self-discovery in a repressive culture. The short was selected by several film festivals, including Oscar-qualifying festivals Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia and HollyShorts. Chen’s second short film, Manting, is inspired by a true story she encountered during a journalism workshop in Syracuse, New York. With Manting, Chen has begun to fulfill her goal of transcending geographical boundaries with stories that blend the cultural elements of South China and New York. The short was selected for the Hamburg International Queer Film Festival, and the script was selected as a finalist for the Cary Fukunaga Production Award in 2021.
These accomplishments are a testament to Chen’s exceptional talent, creative storytelling, and ability to captivate audiences. The Hamburg International Queer Film Festival and the Cary Fukunaga Production Award have both played a significant role in elevating Chen’s work. Selected for their exceptional storytelling and ability to shed light on LGBTQ+ themes, Chen’s films resonate with audiences and critics alike. Such achievements validate Chen’s artistic vision and position her as an experienced filmmaker deserving of industry recognition and admiration.
Chen has taken the time to develop her own directing style, but she also works on many films with others at the helm. As an independent filmmaker, Chen cites financial stability as one of her greatest challenges. Working as a camera assistant and cinematographer not only allows her to maintain a steady income but also helps her network and learn more about the industry. Her cinematography work on films like Ghost Written by Dave Quay, gives her the time and money to work on her own goals while also allowing her to be part of a movie that was officially selected by the 2023 Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Chen’s next project, Dead End, is her feature film debut as a writer-director. She is already developing the concept, inspired by a road trip she took across the United States with her mother. The film explores the mother-daughter relationship and the difficulty separating yourself from your family. Chen is excited to dive deeper into the East Asian experience in her storytelling. She is committed to bringing genuine, personal tales to the forefront of the industry.
Being a queer female Chinese filmmaker in America is not easy, but Shuyao Chen does not see it as a challenge. Instead, she sees it as her strength. She is uniquely positioned to tell stories that have never been seen on screen before. Her dedication to themes like universal emotions and eliminating cultural boundaries guides her work and will guide her to greater success.
