Meet Yukiko Cho

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yukiko Cho. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yukiko below.

Hi Yukiko, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I believe my work ethic comes from a combination of my upbringing, my cultural influences, and my passion for filmmaking. I’ve been immersed in art since I was little, exploring drawing, printmaking, and model assembly. These early creative experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for dedication and the process of bringing ideas to life.
Having both Chinese and Japanese backgrounds, along with the ability to speak four languages, has given me a unique perspective on the world. This multicultural lens inspires my storytelling and fuels my passion for creating films that explore diverse themes and experiences.
Additionally, my love for storytelling drives me to put my best effort into every piece of work. Filmmaking is an art that demands persistence and adaptability, and I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Ultimately, my work ethic stems from my lifelong passion for creativity and the desire to honor the stories I tell, ensuring that each project reflects my dedication and commitment to excellence.

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?

I’m a filmmaker and cinematographer with a passion for visual storytelling. My work focuses on crafting narratives that connect deeply with audiences, often drawing from my unique cultural background as someone who has both Japanese and Chinese background. This diverse perspective informs my approach to storytelling, allowing me to create films that are both culturally rich and emotionally resonant.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bring stories to life through visuals. As a Director of Photography, I strive to enhance the emotional depth of a story by using light, composition, and movement to evoke a visceral connection with the audience. As a director, I focus on exploring themes of identity, relationships, and cultural nuance, often with a suspenseful or thought-provoking twist.
One of my recent projects, KANOJO, tells the story of a young woman grappling with her identity and cultural expectations. This film has been selected and nominated at several prestigious film festivals, including a win at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. I’m incredibly proud of how this project highlights the intersection of LGBTQ+ themes and Asian cultural narratives.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to be working on my first feature film, a sci-fi story about a young woman living with her grandmother underground in a completely distorted earth environment. This project represents a blend of my passion for creating immersive, thought-provoking experiences and exploring human resilience in extraordinary circumstances.
My ultimate goal is to contribute to the film industry in a way that elevates diverse voices and perspectives while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

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, I believe the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were adaptability, creativity, and collaboration.
1. Adaptability
In the film industry, unexpected challenges are inevitable, whether it’s last-minute changes on set or working within tight budgets and deadlines. Learning to stay flexible and embrace problem-solving has been essential. For those starting out, my advice is to approach challenges as opportunities to grow. Stay open-minded, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—you’ll discover new strengths along the way.
2. Creativity
As a filmmaker, creativity is at the heart of everything I do, from crafting compelling visuals to telling meaningful stories. My early involvement in art helped me cultivate this skill, and I continue to push myself to explore new ideas and perspectives. For beginners, nurturing creativity involves staying curious and exposing yourself to a wide range of influences—whether it’s art, literature, or simply observing the world around you.
3. Collaboration
Filmmaking is inherently a team effort, and learning to communicate effectively with directors, crew members, and actors has been key to my success. It’s important to listen, respect others’ ideas, and contribute positively to the collective vision. My advice is to focus on building strong relationships and always approach teamwork with humility and professionalism.
For anyone early in their journey, my overarching advice is to stay persistent and passionate. Develop your skills, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. The journey can be challenging, but every experience will contribute to your growth and lead you closer to your goals.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was nurturing my creativity and supporting my passion for the arts from a young age. My mother has been deeply involved in my creative journey—she would sit down with me to review my scripts, offering thoughtful insights, and when I was editing my film, we once spent almost eight hours on the phone discussing every detail. We often talk about films together, which has deepened my understanding and appreciation of the craft.
My father, on the other hand, has been an incredible source of support when it comes to the practical and financial aspects of my journey. He supported my tuition and helped me navigate the financial challenges of pursuing a career in filmmaking, including supporting my projects. His belief in my dreams and his willingness to invest in my future gave me the foundation to focus on my work and push forward with confidence.
Together, their support has been a cornerstone of my success. Their unwavering belief in me and their willingness to invest time, energy, and resources in my future have allowed me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. I am deeply grateful for their encouragement, which has inspired me to approach every project with confidence and passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yukifilmmaker.my.canva.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjajdbcrdjob/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
• Other: My reel: https://vimeo.com/855269428
  IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13168132/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_Yukiko%2520C