We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tianhui Huang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tianhui, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose evolved through a continuous process of experimenting, introspection, and pushing boundaries. Experiences in literature, film, and technology have all contributed to my growth, enabling me to integrate diverse elements into my creative work and constantly seek new ways to tell compelling stories.
Living and studying in diverse environments like Hong Kong and the United States exposed me to a blend of cultures and perspectives. Hong Kong’s unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures gave me a distinctive viewpoint, allowing me to observe and understand cultural conflicts and synergies. This cross-cultural experience heightened my sensitivity to cultural elements in filmmaking and inspired me to use film as a medium to convey and express the commonalities and differences between cultures. The advanced film production techniques and international creative environment in the U.S. further broadened my horizons, providing me with opportunities to collaborate and learn from filmmakers worldwide.
A wide spectrum of academic specialties has also been instrumental in shaping my path. I graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, specializing in film and media studies. My undergraduate years at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I majored in Chinese Language and Literature, were equally formative. My academic pursuits also extended into computer science at Northeastern University, where I discovered the intersections between film and technology. This blend of disciplines enriched my creative process and opened new avenues for innovation in film production.
My journey as a filmmaker has been marked by writing and directing several short films, where I honed my storytelling skills. Notably, My film “Abdullah,” which explores identity through the eyes of a young Pakistani boy living in China, reflects my deep-seated interest in cultural identity and the experiences of minority groups. This film, which received critical acclaim and numerous awards, embodies my personal reflections and a broader societal concern. Building on this foundation, my experience at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where I collaborated with award-winning CG artists and engineers to develop AWS Deadline Cloud’s fully managed rendering service, provided me with practical insights into leveraging advanced technologies for film production.
While having multiple identities and specialties in different areas, at the core of my life’s journey, I see myself as a storyteller. I am committed to crafting compelling stories that continually push the boundaries of my craft and explore new narratives. I believe my diverse skill set equips me with a unique perspective that sets me apart. Balancing free-flowing creativity with disciplined structure and profitability allows me to nurture my inner self and unleash my creative potential. This balance empowers me to innovate and tell stories that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a filmmaker and technologist, I am most excited about the opportunity to bridge cultural gaps through compelling narratives. My short film “Abdullah,” which delves into identity through the eyes of a young Pakistani boy living in China, received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of cultural identity. This project, along with others, allowed me to explore deep societal themes using the art of storytelling and film.
I am also passionate about the cutting edge of filmmaking technologies. I worked on AWS Deadline Cloud, a cloud-based rendering service designed for teams creating 2D and 3D visual assets for films, TV shows, commercials, games, and industrial design. This experience provided me with valuable insights into how advanced technologies can revolutionize film production, making it more efficient and accessible for creators everywhere.
Currently, I am focused on integrating these technological advancements into my film projects. I believe that the future of storytelling lies at the intersection of art and technology, and I am passionate about exploring this space. My goal is to continue creating films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and foster understanding among diverse audiences.
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?
The qualities that are most impactful in my journey are my openness to new experiences, my ability to navigate ambiguity, and my ability to learn quickly. My biggest advice for those new to the field is to stay curious and question what you’ve learned until you’ve tested it through your own experiences. Ultimately, we want our own version of understanding rather than someone else’s. Additionally, find your allies. Building relationships and collaborating with people from various fields is essential, as this often leads to unexpected insights and opportunities.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to better care for myself, both body and soul. I used to be stressed by the inability to create new works as quickly as I hoped. However, I’ve come to realize that time has its own way of working magic. I now see every living being, including myself, as a marvel of nature, a true masterpiece that maintain low entropy for a short amount of time in the vast history of the universe. Before worrying about creating more works, I’ve learned the importance of taking care of my well-being and appreciating myself as a unique creature. This self-acceptance and mindfulness have enabled me to acknowledge my own worth and appreciate the beauty of the universe, recognizing my place within it.
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