Meet Jasmine Tang

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Tang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.

Jasmine, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When I started STArt Film Studio, I had no formal film training. I didn’t go to film school. My day job is as a software engineer—like many immigrants living in Seattle who balance practical careers with creative passions. Walking into rooms in the film world—or even nonprofit arts spaces—I often felt like I didn’t quite belong. I was the only one who looked like me, spoke like me, or came from my path.

But I’ve learned that being the “only one” in the room isn’t something to be afraid of—it’s something to own. It gives you a unique lens, a different way of seeing, thinking, and creating. That’s the foundation STArt was built on. Our mission is Find Your Voice, and I truly believe that those of us who feel like outsiders often have the clearest, boldest voices—because we’ve had to fight to be heard.

At STArt, we showcase international indie films and support emerging filmmakers from all backgrounds—especially those who don’t have a traditional path into the industry. In that way, I’ve turned my difference into a source of connection. I stay effective by staying true to why I’m there in the first place: to create space for stories that challenge, cross cultures, and don’t fit inside easy categories.

And that space is growing. STArt films are now screening in over six cities across multiple countries, and we’ve partnered with prominent and Academy Award–qualifying film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival. What began as a small idea rooted in personal purpose has become a global community celebrating bold, authentic storytelling.

Being the only one in the room can feel lonely at times—but it’s also where change begins. I’ve learned to listen deeply, lead with purpose, and never underestimate the value of showing up exactly as I am.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder of STArt Film Studio, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people find their voice through the media of film. We support first-time and emerging filmmakers—especially those without traditional access to the industry—by offering mentorship, production support, and a platform to be seen and heard.

By day, I’m a software engineer at Apple TV+. While my role there is highly technical, the combination of my work at Apple and my work at STArt has allowed me to bridge my passions for technology and storytelling. Like many others balancing practical careers with creative dreams, I didn’t come from a formal film background. STArt was built to create space for people like me—people who may not have gone to film school but have something meaningful to say.

What makes STArt special is the way we blend storytelling with community. In addition to supporting filmmakers, we host the STArt Podcast, where we’ve interviewed award-winning directors like Shujun Wei, Lichuan Yin, and Luka Yang, exploring their creative journeys and the themes behind their work.

Our community events are another cornerstone of what we do. We invite people to come together and speak freely about films—not just the widely celebrated ones, but lesser-known indie gems too. We believe everyone deserves a space to express their emotional reactions, challenge assumptions, and explore cinema through their own lens. We encourage curiosity, conversation, and personal curation as powerful ways to connect and reflect.

Looking ahead, we’re continuing to expand our screening series internationally and deepen our commitment to supporting bold, personal storytelling—whether it’s through a short film, a panel discussion, or an honest conversation after a screening.

STArt started as a personal mission—but today, it’s a growing community. You can learn more or get involved at www.startfilmstudio.org.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Resilience Through Self-Belief
Early on, I had to learn to trust my voice—even when I lacked traditional credentials or saw few people like me in the room. In film and tech, imposter syndrome is real, but I turned my “outsider” perspective into fuel. My advice? Start before you feel ready. STArt began as a passion project with no roadmap; what mattered was committing to the work, not waiting for permission. For those early in their journey: Embrace the learning curve. Every expert was once a beginner.

2) Bridging Disciplines (Art + Technology)
My dual background in software engineering and film taught me the power of interdisciplinary thinking. During the day, I solve technical problems, but at STArt, I apply that same problem-solving mindset to creative storytelling. The lesson? Your unique combination of skills is your superpower. If you’re juggling multiple passions, don’t silo them—find ways to let them inform each other. For example, my tech skills helped me streamline STArt’s virtual screenings during the pandemic, proving that “unrelated” expertise often becomes essential.

3) Community as a Creative Force
STArt’s growth wasn’t just about my vision—it was about creating spaces where others could thrive. Whether hosting podcast conversations or post-screening discussions, I’ve seen how vulnerability and collaboration spark the best ideas. Advice: Seek mentors, but also build a “peer squad” of people who challenge and uplift you. And remember: Community isn’t just about networking—it’s about giving first. When you support others (like we do with emerging filmmakers), the impact multiplies.

For Anyone Starting Out:

– Cultivate resilience by reframing obstacles as part of your story.

– Hybridize your skills—don’t downplay what makes you different.

– Prioritize relationships over transactions. The right people will help you grow further than you could alone.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! At STArt Film Studio, we’re always looking to connect with passionate individuals who believe in the power of inclusive storytelling. Right now, we’re particularly seeking:

– Bilingual Content Creators (Mandarin/English fluent) who can help us amplify our work across WeChat, Rednote, and Instagram. These platforms are crucial for reaching both our Chinese and international audiences with behind-the-scenes filmmaker stories, festival updates, and thought-provoking film discussions.

– Local volunteers in Seattle and the Bay Area to help with everything from event coordination to community outreach. No professional experience required – just bring your enthusiasm for film and community building.

For those interested in collaborating, the best ways to connect are:

– Email me directly at jasmine.tang@startfilmstudio.org with a brief introduction and what draws you to our mission

– If you’re local to Seattle or the Bay Area, consider volunteering at one of our upcoming events as a great way to get involved

– Follow us @STArtFilmStudio on Instagram to stay updated on future opportunities

What makes STArt special is our global perspective combined with grassroots community building. Whether you’re helping us bridge language barriers through social media or connecting with audiences at local screenings, you’ll be part of creating space for underrepresented voices in film.

We especially value collaborators who:

– Understand the nuances of cross-cultural communication

– Are excited about discovering and promoting independent cinema

– Believe in the transformative power of community-centered arts initiatives

Even if you don’t see yourself in these specific roles but feel aligned with our mission, I’d still love to hear from you. Some of our best partnerships have started with simple conversations about shared values in storytelling.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Credit to @startfilmstudio

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