We recently connected with Mengqiao Zhang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mengqiao, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being an Asian female director in the Western film industry has often meant walking into rooms where no one else shares my background or experiences. In the beginning, this made me question whether I truly belonged or if my voice was relevant in spaces that felt so foreign. But over time, I’ve learned to see this as an opportunity to contribute something unique rather than as an obstacle.
For instance, in my film Snow Whisper, I drew heavily from my experiences of loss, separation, and identity as an Asian woman living abroad. The story of Eve and Hedy reflects my inner conflicts, making the film deeply personal and authentic. By leaning into my unique perspective, I was able to tell a story that resonated on an emotional level that might not have been possible without my background influencing the narrative.
In production, there were challenges where I had to assert my vision more strongly because I was different. Yet, I realized that instead of trying to blend in, I could use my differences as a strength. I wasn’t just another director—I was a director with a story no one else could tell in the same way. Snow Whisper became a testament to the power of embracing who I am, even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. My individuality became the source of the film’s distinct emotional core, making it impactful.
By consistently delivering results and proving my dedication, I earned the respect and trust of my collaborators. It wasn’t about fitting in but showing that I belonged because of what I brought to the table. I’ve come to understand that diversity in film is essential, and by staying true to my vision and background, I’ve created work that stands out precisely because of my unique perspective.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a film director and producer from China, primarily focused on creating films and vertical short dramas. Through my company, Dreamood, I aim to produce works that resonate emotionally and provoke thought, particularly those that tell stories of women and explore diverse cultural backgrounds. I believe that film is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful tool to convey emotions, foster understanding, and challenge perspectives.
What excites me the most about filmmaking is its limitless potential. As a director, I have the opportunity to craft entirely new worlds through the lens of the camera, taking audiences on emotional journeys they may have never experienced before. In my film Snow Whisper, I explored themes of identity, separation, and emotional conflict, many of which were inspired by my own experiences as an Asian woman living abroad. I believe the beauty of film lies in its ability to allow people to reflect on their own lives through the stories of others and find a sense of connection.
Beyond filmmaking, my company Dreamood is also delving into the production of vertical short dramas—a modern format designed for today’s social media platforms. I see this format as not only offering creators more flexible storytelling options but also aligning with the fragmented viewing habits of contemporary audiences. We aim to use these short dramas to share diverse stories and perspectives, breaking down cultural and gender barriers.
Additionally, I am deeply interested in the application of emerging technologies, particularly in how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be integrated into the filmmaking process. I believe these technologies have the potential to redefine how films are created, allowing us to break free from traditional narrative limitations and create more interactive and immersive viewing experiences. I am actively exploring ways to incorporate these innovations into Dreamood’s productions, pushing the boundaries of film production and delivering unprecedented experiences for audiences.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing my brand and expanding my creative work. I look forward to collaborating with more talented creators and technology experts to produce deeper, more resonant stories that offer unique emotional experiences and inspire thought. I believe the future of film is diverse and full of possibilities, and I am eager to be a part of this future by continuing to tell stories that deserve to be heard.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities have had the most impact on my success: resilience and patience, communication and collaboration skills, and openness to new technology and creative formats. In the film industry, success is rarely immediate, so resilience and patience have been crucial in pushing through setbacks and challenges. I’ve learned to see failure as an opportunity for growth, allowing me to stay focused on my creative vision despite obstacles.
Communication and collaboration skills have also been key, as filmmaking is a team effort. Being able to clearly express my ideas while valuing the input of others has helped me create stronger projects. Effective communication allows everyone involved to stay aligned, and collaboration with diverse teams has enriched my work by bringing in different perspectives and ideas.
Finally, being open to new technologies and creative formats has enabled me to innovate and keep pace with the rapidly changing industry. Whether it’s integrating AI or exploring digital effects, staying curious and adaptable has allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing challenges, learning from every experience, and staying open to new possibilities.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
In my career journey, I’ve always believed that it’s important to develop myself in all areas, especially in a complex and challenging field like the film industry. Expanding my skills in different areas allows me to better handle the diverse challenges that arise during projects. However, I also recognize that fully leveraging my core strengths is equally essential. For me, these two approaches complement each other rather than conflict.
As a director, my strengths lie in storytelling and visual expression, and these have always been the driving forces behind my creative work. For instance, in my film Snow Whisper, I drew deeply from my personal emotional experiences and conveyed the complexities of identity and emotional conflict through visual storytelling. Focusing on these strengths has enabled me to create work that resonates deeply with audiences and allows me to maintain a unique creative edge.
At the same time, as the Co-Founder of Dreamood, I’ve had to grow in areas beyond just creativity. This includes learning how to better coordinate production teams, manage budgets, and navigate the business side of things. While my strengths are in creative work, I understand that these practical skills are equally important for pushing the company forward. To ensure that Dreamood not only thrives in its creative endeavors but also establishes a foothold in the market, I’ve worked on enhancing my skills across multiple areas.
So, I believe that for those just starting out, it’s crucial to develop yourself broadly, but don’t overlook the power of fully utilizing your core strengths. By balancing both, you can go further in the film industry, create distinctive work, and build a unique competitive edge in the market.
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Image Credits
BTS Credits to Songming Cai
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