Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tau Tau Menghan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tau Tau, 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?
As a film director and author, I struggled for a long time with my identity. I grew up in unfamiliar surroundings where I constantly felt like I didn’t belong—a perpetual outsider searching for my spiritual home. Born in Harbin, I was raised by relatives in Shanghai, a city known for its exclusivity, where I was always seen as a ‘northerner.’ Later, I lived in culturally diverse Cairo, leading a life reminiscent of the TV show ‘Sex and the City.’ However, it was when I settled in Western Europe that I began to reassess my identity and integrate the inherent ‘Eastern elements’ within me.
My life and art have always been a mix-match, neither pure nor extreme. I often felt isolated, yet this isolation made me brave and carefree. I seized every serendipitous opportunity, maximizing its integration into my films. I discovered that even in isolation, there’s a community of those who feel similarly adrift. Every individual’s experiences resonate across time and space, making no one truly alone.
The exploration of success must begin with believing that you are not alone, nor are you unique. Regardless of how different you may appear from those around you, believe that you are needed. The world is intricately connected in a myriad of ways, and I, undoubtedly, am that necessary and vital link. Realizing and firmly believing in my importance, irreplaceability, and indispensability, even in moments of solitude and desolation, is what I consider the key to eventually creating my award-winning film ‘Pinky Swear-Whatevr She Wants’. Pin this as my solemn vow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Film director and Novelist, my work is a reflection of my diverse background, incorporating elements from the East and the West. It’s a mix-match of experiences from growing up in Shanghai, living in Cairo, and settling in Western Europe. This fusion not only shapes my identity but also infuses a unique flavor into my films and writings.
What sets my approach apart is the deliberate exploration of the human experience within the tapestry of global diversity. I believe that every individual’s story, no matter how unique, carries universal threads that connect us all. This philosophy is at the heart of my creative endeavors.
As for what’s on the horizon, I am thrilled to share that after my new movie ‘Pinky Swear-Whatever She Want’s winning over 10 international film awards within 4 months time, the novel version of ‘Pinky Swear-Whatever She Wants’will be published and meet the readers in 2024.New film projects ‘ Pinky Swear 2’ are in pre-production and a new comedy caper ‘Double Double check ‘ is being scheduled to shoot in 2024 too.
I invite readers and audiences to join me on this journey, where storytelling becomes a bridge between worlds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of universal human experiences
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal elements stand out – language skill, communication skill, and financial background.
Language skill, as I perceive it, is more than just a means of communication; it serves as the very foundation for expressing and understanding ideas. It is the cornerstone upon which the sharing of experiences and the art of storytelling are built. Mastering language opens doors to diverse perspectives, enabling a more profound connection with audiences.
Communication skill, in my view, is a multifaceted tool. To garner support and establish a sense of community, it is crucial to identify the right avenues and tools for effective communication. The ability to convey ideas with precision and authenticity plays a pivotal role in building relationships and fostering meaningful connections.
Interestingly, ‘financial background’ is often seen as the adversary of ‘art’ in the realm of artists. However, I hold the belief that acknowledging the role of financial considerations is essential for survival in our world. Every action we take, including artistic pursuits, has a financial dimension. Embracing this reality is the key to attaining the freedom and support necessary for one’s artistic endeavors.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
One impactful aspect of my upbringing was the absence of pocket money from my parents. In our household, we operated on a chore-based reward system, where completing tasks came with a monetary value. Washing a dish would earn me 50 cents, sweeping the floor equated to 2 dollars, assisting my mom in peeling garlic fetched 50 cents, and so on.
Unlike many of my peers, I rarely encountered the typical parental restrictions. For instance, if I desired a princess dress, my parents deemed it superficial and opted not to buy it for me. However, they encouraged a different approach – they did not discourage me from earning the money myself through chores and using it to purchase what I desired. Consequently, this upbringing instilled in me the mindset that if I wanted something, I had to work for it, rather than relying on others for gifts.
This early lesson, initially revolving around toys, evolved into a broader principle as I grew older. It transformed into a lifestyle and an ideology where I believe that I can achieve anything through my own efforts. I am grateful to my parents for granting me this sense of freedom and fostering the belief that I can attain what I want through hard work and self-reliance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/pinkyswearmovie.wsw
- Instagram: tautauoriginal
Image Credits
@achtung Berlin
