Meet Yifan Xiang

We were lucky to catch up with Yifan Xiang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yifan, 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?

Growing up, I was always drawn to different forms of expression. I loved listening to music, drawing pictures, and capturing moments through photography. These activities brought me joy, but it wasn’t until later that I realized they were all connected by a common thread: creativity. I became fascinated with the idea of turning thoughts and imagination into something tangible, something others could experience. It was this obsession with bringing my inner world to life that set me on the path of self-expression, eventually leading me to find my true purpose.

One of my earliest inspirations was Kurosawa Akira, whose films I encountered during my childhood. His ability to blend stunning visuals with deeply human stories left a lasting impact on me. Kurosawa’s work showed me that film could be more than entertainment—it could be art, a means to convey emotion, culture, and philosophy. Watching his films, I realized that filmmaking allowed me to combine all the things I loved: music, visuals, storytelling, and photography. Over time, it became clear that my purpose was to create films, to share stories that resonate and express the depths of my imagination with the world.

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?

My name is Yifan Xiang, I am a director, cinematographer,, a film photographer, and colorist, based out of Los Angeles. I am member of the Society of Camera Operators and a certified DaVinci Resolve colorist, with additional expertise in darkroom techniques. I worked on several projects in both narrative and experimental film, including short films like Strangers Under My Skin and Manchukuo, 1943, Summer.

I established my brand Eureka Film Lab, a creative studio offering services like film processing, photography, and post-production support. Founded in 2017, Eureka Film Lab focuses on experimental visual arts, often collaborating with artists from the worldwide. The lab is known for its innovative approach to both still and motion picture projects, particularly emphasizing craftsmanship in film development and color grading​.

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, three qualities or areas of knowledge that had the most impact on my journey were insistence, self-improvement, and a deep knowledge of film. Insistence, or persistence, is crucial because filmmaking is a long and complex process that requires resilience in the face of challenges. Self-improvement is equally important, as this industry is ever-evolving, and staying motivated to grow, learn, and adapt is key. Finally, my knowledge of film—both the technical and creative aspects—was transformative. Mastering the intricacies of shooting on film took uncountable hours of study and practice, but it was worth every moment.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to be very clear about what you want from the start. Once you identify your goal, pursue it relentlessly, even if it means investing more time and resources than expected. Quality often comes at a higher cost, but the results are always worth it when you’re passionate about your craft. Be patient with yourself, stay motivated, and never stop learning or refining your skills.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

As an artist, one of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is finding the balance between two aspects of my filmmaking: my love for experimental, abstract expression through beautiful, visually striking imagery, and my desire to convey a coherent, logically structured story that resonates with the audience.

In the past, I’ve successfully worked on both types of films—those that lean heavily into visual, emotional expression, as well as those that are driven by a strong narrative. However, now I’m at a point where I want to combine both sides: to create a film that not only captivates the audience through its aesthetic but also tells a story that is grounded and relatable.

A major hurdle in achieving this is the limitation of funds. Experimental filmmaking, especially when driven by artistic self-expression, often requires flexibility and freedom, which can be expensive. Yet, traditional storytelling also demands logistical resources, careful planning, and attention to structure.

So, I’m currently seeking a way to merge these two seemingly opposing forces—to craft a film that marries abstract, experimental visuals with a convincing narrative, offering a unique experience to the audience that speaks both to the heart and the mind.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Yiqing Wei
Abhinav Joshi

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