We recently connected with Yiwa Lau and have shared our conversation below.
Yiwa, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
It was really hard to find my purpose throughout high school and University. Not until I travelled more and went to film school did I find start figuring out what I was meant to do. I went to film school at Beijing Film Academy and really fell in love with storytelling as a visual medium. During that time, I was also volunteering with the asylum seeker community in my spare time. I formed really deep and meaningful relationships through that process. After China, I moved to the UK and knew immediately that I also wanted to get plugged into the same community and volunteer here. Last year, I was able to use my love for photography and film and integrate that into a social purpose project at the same time – by creating a photography workshop for the asylum seekers and refugees. A mini documentary also came out of that! I’ve realized that this is my purpose -to use my skills in visual media to show people love and to make a positive impact in the world we live in. The driving force in my purpose is also my Christian faith, which has been the core of my values.
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 someone who has lived in 3 countries, I have had the opportunity to meet people from all parts of the world and all walks of life. I am a filmmaker and photographer that is focused on using diversity, empathy, and impact as tools in my work. In addition to freelancing, I have recently received a grant from the Barbican, one of UK’s largest performing arts center, to continue in my photography projects. I am hoping to move into HETV or feature film as an Assistant Director.
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?
Open Mindedness – Be open to learning from all sorts of people! Everyone has wisdom that they can offer, mistakes they’ve made. I think that being able to talk to people who might look, vote, or live like you is good. Being open minded gives room for growth and perspective is key.
Compassion – In any line of work, compassion will get you far. People have feelings, we all go through hard times and can often feel alone. I like to remind myself that I never know what someone might be going through. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people (like my family and partner) who go the extra mile to get to know someone, help them, or put a smile on their face.
Integrity – One of my favorite quotes is: “Integrity is like a diamond, highly valued, but rarely found.”
The older I get, the more I realize that not many people have integrity. To me, that means honesty, consistency, and staying true to your word. These are qualities that I value, and I believe that if you hold these values, you will automatically attract others who hold those same values.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to connect with fellow filmmakers. I am most interested in Directing in either the HETV capacity, or in longer form film. I welcome any advice from those who have been in these industries!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yiwalauphotography.com/
- Instagram: @yiwasfilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiwalau/
- Other: Vimeo https://vimeo.com/658405881
