We recently connected with Roku Jingwen Long and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Roku Jingwen, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience isn’t born from a single moment of epiphany but has been built gradually over the past nine years through my continuous involvement in planning and producing various film and commercial projects. During this time, I’ve had the privilege to work with people from diverse backgrounds and expertise, facing new challenges with each project, which served as opportunities for learning and growth.
One memorable example is the production of one of my short films, “Echoes”, which received the Best Director award from Vesuvius International Film Festival and was officially selected by Micheaux Film Festival. I spent a significant amount of time designing shots and doing my homework before shooting began. As a director, I’ve always preferred this approach – knowing what I need in each story, what I can’t give up on, and what needs to be tried.
Film production is a complex and uncertain process, and almost every project encounters unforeseen problems. These issues can stem from technical glitches, time management, budget overruns, or even communication breakdowns within the team. It’s these challenges that taught me to face difficulties head-on. I firmly believe that no film production process goes smoothly without any issues; the key to showcasing one’s ability lies in how we confront, avoid, and solve these problems.
Whenever I face a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, I remind myself that it’s just another problem that needs solving, and overcoming each one makes me more resilient and experienced. I’ve learned that creativity and imagination are important, but even more crucial is the ability to solve problems. Over time, this resilience has not only been reflected in my work but has also become a way of life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m standing at the crossroads, embodying the roles of writer, director, and producer with unwavering passion and a distinctive vision. When people ask me why I don’t choose one path, I often say that writing and directing are where my creative passions lie and where I originally come from and producing gives me insight into the business side of the film industry – I don’t have to choose because I am good at both.
My journey in the film industry has been both exhilarating and profoundly rewarding, marked by a series of films that not only challenge conventional storytelling but also explore the depths of human emotion and complexity. At the heart of my work are three films that I’ve had the privilege to write and direct: “Dear Vanessa,” “Echoes,” and “Immortal Mind.” Each project is a testament to my commitment to storytelling that engages, provokes, and resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level. “Dear Vanessa” delves into themes of love and loss, “Echoes” explores the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity, and “Immortal Mind” ventures into the realms of science fiction, questioning the essence of humanity and consciousness.
In addition to my directorial ventures, I’ve produced “Life is Elsewhere” and “Under the Skin,” both of which are currently making their rounds on the festival circuit. These films, diverse in their themes and approaches, showcase my versatility and keen eye for stories that matter, stories that evoke thought and feeling in equal measure.
Currently, I’m thrilled to be at the helm of two more projects in post-production, “The Supporting Actors” and “White Horses,” slated for 2023. “The Supporting Actors,” which I produced, offers a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of those who bring depth and reality to the cinematic world, often without the recognition they deserve. On the other hand, “White Horses,” which I directed, is a narrative that promises to take viewers on an introspective journey, blending the boundaries between dreams and reality in a visually stunning exploration of freedom and identity.
What makes my work exciting and special is the relentless pursuit of authenticity and emotional truth. Whether behind the camera, penning a script, or steering a project to its completion, the goal remains the same: to create films that linger in the minds and hearts of viewers long after the credits roll. My brand is synonymous with films that dare to dream, to question, and to celebrate the myriad facets of our experience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Belief in actions over words: In the film industry, we encounter a multitude of voices, from discussions about the industry’s trajectory to critiques of films. Amidst this cacophony, prioritize actions, and recognize those who follow through on their promises rather than those who merely make commitments.
The ability to say no: Not every endeavor aligns with our goals, and it’s essential to discern which paths to pursue. We must have a discerning eye and a steadfast heart to decline unsuitable people and opportunities. Self-confidence and self-respect are key; by valuing ourselves and our vision, we can navigate the industry with integrity and purpose.
Self-love: Self-love empowers us to stay true to our artistic vision, navigate through challenges, and persevere in the face of adversity. Embracing self-love enables us to confidently share our stories, knowing that they hold value and significance.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past year, my greatest growth has been in self-awareness—understanding my abilities, strengths, preferences, and boundaries.
Recognizing my strengths has boosted my confidence and clarity in my work, allowing me to approach projects with greater effectiveness. Learning to say no to opportunities that don’t align with my values or vision has been empowering, enabling me to focus on endeavors that truly matter to me. Setting boundaries has been essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preserving my creativity and well-being. This journey of self-awareness has been transformative, enriching both my professional endeavors and personal life, and I’m committed to continuing this journey to achieve even greater success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rokulong.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roku.long/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/roku-jingwen-long
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11056816/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Mettie Ostrowski
