Meet Yufei Phoebe Fu

We recently connected with Yufei Phoebe Fu and have shared our conversation below.

Yufei Phoebe, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

When I was working on my thesis film, my life was split between two worlds—one filled with creativity and collaboration, and another consumed by a heavy family lawsuit. It was the first time I had to balance my aspirations with real-world responsibilities. My family’s business was at risk. My mental health was hanging by a thread. And for the first time in my life, I couldn’t simply coast and let others take care of things. I had to step up.

The breaking point came on the day I left my aunt’s house. A heated argument exploded, and before I knew it, all my belongings were thrown out onto the street. Clothes, devices, everything I thought I needed—scattered on the pavement.

But instead of breaking down, something unexpected washed over me.

I didn’t feel anger. I didn’t feel regret.
I felt…peace.

A kind of peace I hadn’t experienced during the two exhausting months of the lawsuit. Standing there on the street, looking at the fragments of my life, I realized I had nothing left except myself—and somehow, that was enough.

I came into this world with nothing, and in that moment, it felt like I had been returned to that state. Instead of fear, I felt freedom. I understood that I didn’t need expensive belongings or a sense of stability to be who I am. What mattered—the only thing that had ever really mattered—was my passion for filmmaking and the simple, honest joy it brought me.

That moment reignited something inside me. A clarity. A determination. A reminder that even when everything else is stripped away, I still carry the one thing no one can throw into the street: myself.

And that was the beginning of my resilience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Welcome to Phoebe Film Company, a small but ambitious studio named not just after me, but after Saturn’s ninth moon—an odd, dark, rebellious satellite that orbits against the planet’s rotation. Its symbolism reflects the spirit of the stories I want to tell: unexpected, honest, and quietly defiant.

Though I trained in filmmaking at NYU Tisch, I often joke that I’m a professional astrologer first and a filmmaker second. In truth, I’m a devoted student of both crafts. Phoebe Film Company is an extension of that curiosity—a home for bold, character-driven work that explores identity, transformation, and the unseen forces, cosmic or human, that shape our lives.

We currently produce two to three small-budget films per year, prioritizing creative integrity over format or length. With a strong foundation in post-production, we help independent filmmakers and emerging creators shape their stories with precision and emotional clarity. Our industry relationships allow us to connect directors with producers and collaborators who truly understand their vision.

Right now, we’re working with several tech companies developing TV-series shorts, guiding them through story development and creative casting. At the same time, I’m writing my own narrative project, which I plan to bring to life as both a short film and a serialized work.

Phoebe Film Company is still young—just a few months old—but supported by passion, community, and a belief in storytelling with soul. Every partnership, every connection, every word of encouragement matters. I’m grateful you’re here.

Welcome to PHOEBE.

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
Resilience became the backbone of my journey during one of the most difficult periods of my life—balancing my thesis work while dealing with a family lawsuit. The moment that defined it for me was standing on the street after my belongings had been thrown out of my aunt’s house. Instead of breaking down, I felt a strange sense of peace. That moment taught me that resilience isn’t about being unshaken; it’s about rediscovering your center even when everything around you is falling apart.

How to develop it: Don’t avoid challenges—observe yourself when you’re in them. Reflect, reach out, and rebuild your center. Resilience grows from honest self-awareness.

2. Positivity
Positivity for me isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about choosing to look for meaning, opportunity, or growth even when circumstances are painful. During the family lawsuit, I learned to find small pockets of hope—moments where I reminded myself that this struggle was shaping my character and sharpening my purpose. This mindset allowed me to keep creating, keep moving, and keep believing that the future held something better.

How to develop it: Practice reframing. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? What can this teach me about myself? What might this open up for me later?” Positive thinking becomes a habit when you use it as a tool, not a mask.

3. Step-by-Step Practicality
When life became overwhelming, I learned the value of breaking everything down into manageable steps. Instead of trying to solve the entire lawsuit, finish the entire film, or fix every emotional challenge at once, I focused on the next small task: finish this scene, send this email, breathe through this moment. That step-by-step approach kept me grounded and allowed me to keep moving forward even when I didn’t feel strong enough to see the full path.

How to develop it: Turn big goals into tiny actions. Make lists. Prioritize realistically. Celebrate progress—even when it looks small. Practicality is what turns intention into achievement.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes. I’m always open to collaborating with people who care deeply about meaningful storytelling and who bring honesty, curiosity, and passion to the creative process. I’m especially drawn to collaborators who enjoy exploring human experiences, who communicate openly, and who aren’t afraid to experiment or take risks in their work.

I love working with filmmakers, writers, editors, producers, and visual artists—but I’m equally eager to collaborate with anyone who has a story to tell or a perspective that challenges me to grow. I value people who show up authentically, who listen, and who approach projects with both heart and practicality.

How to connect:
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with my values or creative approach, feel free to reach out to me at [insert your email or preferred contact method]. I’m always excited to talk, share ideas, and explore new possibilities together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phoebefilm.com
• Instagram: yufei.fu

Image Credits

Credit to Yifan Lyu