Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ziyu Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ziyu, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I find purpose in sharing intimate stories that capture the important moments of life. Coming out to my mother was a deeply painful experience, filled with disbelief and tears—a moment that made me realize how fragile truth can be and how it can change everything in an instant. Later, as I revisited old recordings from her camera, I reflected on how people evolved and how my relationship with my mom has shaped my identity in profound ways.
This journey into my mother’s story sparked my interest in documentaries, helping me see that filmmaking is a way for me to rediscover myself. I have a deep and abiding faith in the power of what seeing intimate, candid moments can do for people around the world, and that’s why I want to make documentaries. I want to tell intimate stories starting from myself and create a space for others to share theirs; ones that burn, that shatter, that reveal.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a documentary director drawn to telling deeply personal stories, ones that peel back the layers of human emotion and reveal the complexity beneath. My work is vulnerable, often reflective, and rooted in relationships—especially within the framework of family. My mother has been a recurring subject, as our relationship feels like a mirror for so many others between parents and their children.
Through long, candid conversations with her, I’ve come to see her not just as “my mother” but as a whole person—a woman with her own history, a life that existed before me, filled with her own dreams, hopes, and struggles. This process has opened my eyes to how precious the small moments are, the ones we often overlook but which carry so much weight. When captured on film, these moments have the power to resonate far beyond the personal, connecting with others who share the quiet, unspoken threads of familial love, tension, and history. Yet, I understand that our story is just one—one strand in the immense tapestry that binds parents and children together across time and space.
I have a deep love for working with archival footage, rediscovering the past, and blending it with the present. What excites me most about documentary filmmaking is its ability to hold moments of truth—raw and unfiltered—that echo in the hearts of those who watch. I believe storytelling can bridge gaps, building empathy and understanding. My films aim to capture those delicate, honest interactions that show us who we really are.
Outside of directing, I produce narrative, documentary, and animation projects, always gravitating toward stories that are tender and emotionally charged. Whether fiction or non-fiction, animated or live action, my goal remains the same: to bring deeply human, heartfelt stories into the light.
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?
The three most important qualities that have shaped my journey as a filmmaker are sincerity, openness, and collaboration. Each has been essential to my growth as both a documentarian and a producer, forming the foundation of how I approach storytelling and the relationships within it.
Sincerity is the heart of documentary filmmaking. It involves a deep, genuine curiosity about the subject, along with the empathy to truly understand the person on the other side of the lens. A lack of sincerity can quickly be felt, and it affects the dynamic between the filmmaker, the subject, and ultimately, the audience. When conducting interviews, I strive to be open and vulnerable, hoping this honesty will encourage the same in those I film. This level of sincerity fosters trust, which is essential in creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable revealing their most personal truths. Trust is the bedrock of every story worth telling, and sincerity is what anchors that trust in place, both on and off camera.
Openness, for me, is a multifaceted quality. As a documentarian, openness means being willing to truly listen to the subject, not just hearing their words but understanding the nuances—the silences, the unspoken emotions, the body language that can say just as much as dialogue. Some of the most revealing moments come when the subject is allowed to simply be, without pressure or imposition of a preconceived narrative. Openness also extends beyond the relationship with the subject to the working relationship with the crew. Filmmaking, by nature, is collaborative, and remaining open to the creative input of others can elevate a project in unexpected ways. Flexibility and adaptability often open doors to new ideas and allow a story to evolve in ways not initially planned, which often leads to the most magical outcomes.
Collaboration is the final key to successful filmmaking. Every project, whether a documentary or a narrative film, is the result of collective effort. As a producer, part of my role is bringing together a team whose combined talents make the vision possible. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about fostering an environment where every voice is heard and respected, and where everyone feels invested in the story being told. The strength of the relationships among the crew and with the subjects is often reflected in the strength of the final film. Strong collaboration results in a deeper, richer film and the bonds built in the process make the journey all the more rewarding.
In all these qualities—sincerity, openness, and collaboration—lies the essence of meaningful filmmaking. Developing these traits is crucial not only to creating films but to building the kinds of connections that bring stories to life.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m excited to work with fellow LGBTQ+ creatives to create intimate documentaries that dive into the complexities of identity, relationships, and personal truths. I’m particularly interested in stories that resonate with my own, especially those that focus on the LGBTQ+ community and their relationships with their parents. This deep connection fuels my passion to collaborate with others who have similar experiences and insights. I’d also love to connect with other documentary filmmakers who are eager to explore these themes. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @arwennn_wang or via email at [email protected].
Through intimate storytelling, we can share our unique perspectives and foster understanding across generations. Just as I’ve learned to see my mother not only as a parent but as a person with her own dreams and struggles, I believe we can create a space for others to share their narratives and experiences in meaningful ways.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arwennn_wang/
Image Credits
Photo 1: Behind-the-scene by Bella Crowner
Photo 2: Taken by Hyejin ‘Grace’ Park
Photo 3: Taken by Yueran ‘Jamie’ Wang
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