We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shiyu “cathy” Zhao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shiyu “Cathy” , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I developed my ability to take risks through key moments of stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to grow. In high school, where opportunities for learning films were limited, I self-taught Adobe Premiere Pro. This experience was my first exposure to editing and required persistence and discipline to acquire the skills I needed.
Later, during my internship and school time in the film industry, I faced the challenge of working in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment that demanded social engagement and adaptability—both of which were outside my natural comfort zone as an introvert. However, I embraced these challenges, building confidence in both my technical abilities and interpersonal skills. These experiences taught me that taking risks—whether by learning independently or stepping into unfamiliar professional dynamics—is essential for growth. They laid the foundation for my passion for storytelling and my willingness to face uncertainty to achieve meaningful outcomes in my career.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an editor and filmmaker currently pursuing my MFA at the American Film Institute (AFI), with a focus on editing. My passion lies in storytelling that amplifies unheard voices and addresses societal issues. As an Asian female filmmaker, I have navigated challenges such as discrimination and microaggressions, but these experiences have deeply enriched my perspective and encouraged me to create meaningful work that provokes conversations and inspires change. Along the way, I have also been fortunate to encounter many supportive individuals who have offered me opportunities and guidance, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
What excites me most about editing has the power to shape the footage into a compelling narrative, evoking the emotions intended by the filmmakers and resonating deeply with audiences. To me, editing is more than just assembling clips; it’s about uncovering the story’s rhythm, delivering its emotional arc, and building up a connection with the audience that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
Currently, I am improving my skills in both the creative and technical aspects of editing, including sound design and color grading. These elements are crucial for building a final product that enhances the emotional depth and impact of a story. I am particularly passionate about working on projects that reflect contemporary social issues, as I believe film has the power to evoke awareness and change the problems.
Looking ahead, I wish I could collaborate on projects that challenge me creatively and intellectually and improve my skills, especially those that explore complex narratives or provoke important discussions. For me, filmmaking is not just about storytelling—it’s about making an impact. I am dedicated to using my skills to amplify voices and perspectives that need to be heard, creating work that not only entertains but also enlightens and empowers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe resilience, curiosity, and optimism have been the most impactful qualities in my journey. When I first considered pursuing a career in film, it wasn’t an easy path. Film is always a shelter for me during times of exhaustion and frustration. However, when I initially shared my career path of becoming a filmmaker with my parents, they rejected the idea, as they had never envisioned me choosing a creative career. Despite their doubts, I demonstrated resilience and determination. Through deep, heartfelt conversations and showing them my passion and works, I helped them understand that pursuing a lifelong passion is one of life’s greatest fortunes.
Curiosity was another crucial skill I developed throughout this journey. Lacking access to formal resources to learn film, I began teaching myself how to use editing software and shoot compelling videos. I started with iMovie and gradually transitioned to more advanced tools as I sought to experiment with effects and explore new ideas. Due to my curiosity, I have a passion to learn and enrich my professional skillset.
Finally, optimism has been the key to making films. The filmmaking process is filled with challenges, whether in production or post-production. Staying optimistic has helped me push through those tough moments, allowing me to complete projects to the best of my ability. Embracing limitations and turning them into creative opportunities is essential to creating something meaningful. Even when the final result doesn’t meet expectations, those moments become valuable lessons for growth.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Networking and socializing have historically been significant challenges for me, especially in the past 12 months since I started a new chapter of my life. As someone who is naturally introverted, I often found myself with many thoughts I wanted to share but struggled to voice them. Over time, I realized this was limiting my growth—it meant missing valuable opportunities to connect with insightful individuals, learn from their experiences, and build meaningful professional relationships. I knew I needed to step out of my comfort zone, though it was difficult to resist the urge to retreat or downplay my ideas in social settings.
To address this, I made a conscious effort to initiate conversations, even when it felt uncomfortable. I tried to let go of my concerns about how others might see me in a negative way. I focused on being an active listener and gradually became more confident in sharing my own perspectives. I also prioritized self-care, such as ensuring I was well-rested, to avoid feeling mentally fatigued or blank during interactions. Additionally, I sought advice from mentors and peers on effective networking strategies. Learning from their experiences helped alleviate my anxieties and gave me the tools to approach connections with greater authenticity and confidence. Over time, I’ve developed a stronger sense of when and how to engage with others, allowing me to build deeper, more meaningful relationships by simply being myself.
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Image Credits
Neil Hao, Xiaoyi Luo
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