Favorite Quote
Le vent se lève, il faut tenter de vivre ― Paul Valéry
The wind rises, we must try to live
about me
A Chinese Filmmaker
Hi! I’m Ankai, a 23-year-old filmmaker fueled by boundless passion and creativity. At 13, I embarked on an adventure to the U.S., and discovered my true passion in cinematography and filmmaking.
Since the age of 16, I’ve been dedicatedly treading the path of filmmaking. My journey has been a blend of learning, experimenting, and growing, constantly inspired by the works of cinematic maestros like Ang Lee, Koreeda, Wes Anderson, and Edgar Wright. Their unique storytelling skills and ability to connect universally have been a guiding light in my creative endeavors.
Those who know me will tell you about my intense dedication and ‘hardcore’ approach when it comes to doing what I love the most. For me, filmmaking isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life where every script, frame, and cut reflects a piece of my passion and vision.
Alongside my filmmaking journey, I’ve been a vegetarian for over a decade, driven by my belief in animal emotions and a desire for compassionate living. This choice reflects in my work and life, shaping my approach to creativity and harmony with nature.
Experience:
Immortal Cinema International, LA, CA (Assistant Editor, Sep 2020 – Jan 2021): Focused on assistant editing tasks including media management, audio syncing, multi-clipping, file name labeling, video selects, basic color correcting, and scene assembling.
UCR Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production, Riverside, CA (Editor, Camera Operator, Jan 2021 – Mar 2022): Lead editor for the 2021 Department Film and camera operator for the 2022 Department Film.
UCR Student Recreation Center, Riverside, CA (Videographer, Aug 2021 – Jun 2022): Produced short movies and other video productions such as sports events documentaries and promotional content.
Everpost, LA, CA (Camera Intern, Oct 2022 – Jan 2023): Managed equipment transportation, lighting setup, and occasional responsibilities as a camera operator and gaffer for commercials.
UCR Student Recreation Center, Riverside, CA (Videographer, Aug 2021 – Jun 2022): Produced short movies and other video productions such as sports events documentaries and promotional content.
Skills Set
My soft skills in filmmaking encompass compassion, collaboration, positivity, patience, open-mindedness, and perseverance. These traits enable effective teamwork, adaptability to creative challenges, and a commitment to bringing visions to life with empathy and resilience.
My hard skills in filmmaking include directing talent, scene lighting, and proficiency with professional cameras like Arri, Black Magic, Sony Mirrorless, and Fuji. I’m also experienced in gimbal and drone operation (DJI) and adept at editing and color grading in post-production. These skills allow me to create visually compelling and polished stories.
Awards
Marc Longlois Award for Leadership – 2021 UCR
Filmworks 2021 Awards: Best Editing and Special Jury Award for Creativity for “The Routine”
UCR Filmworks 2022 Awards: Best Editing for “Zoom”
Best Documentary for “Growing Up”
Special Jury Award for Excellence in Filmmaking
2022 Department Track Award.
