Chieh Yang is a multifaceted creative force, born in 1989 in Taoyuan County, Taiwan, and has since made a name for herself as a film director, screenwriter, producer, and actress.
Yang's passion for the performing arts began early, as she was an active member of her school's drama club during her high school and college years. This experience not only honed her stage presence but also instilled in her a sense of confidence and creativity.
As she delved deeper into the world of filmmaking, Yang began producing documentary films that tackled pressing social issues in Taiwan, such as rural education and the plastic cosmetic industry. Her short film "Her Dream Lovers," created during this period, garnered widespread attention and media coverage after it was selected for the Short Film Corner of the Cannes Film Festival in 2012.
Yang's success in the film industry continued to grow, and she went on to found "Whoa Studio" with friends, taking on projects such as commercial ads, music videos, and short films. Concurrently, she applied for the MFA-Film program at Columbia University in New York, where she was eventually accepted in 2014.
During her time at Columbia, Yang continued to produce innovative and thought-provoking films, including "Ping Pong Coach," which won the "Student Visionary Award" at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016. Her work "Cronos" also received the "Best Editing Award" at the Golden Harvest Award in Taipei.
In interviews, Yang has expressed her desire to produce her first narrative feature film in Taiwan, drawing inspiration from the bedtime stories her father told her as a child. Her fascination with fantasy movies and magical realism is evident in her work, as is her interest in exploring cultural differences and the inner loneliness of immigrants in society.
Yang's journey from Taiwan to the United States and back again has been marked by a desire to tell unique and compelling stories that reflect her experiences and perspectives. With her talent, dedication, and passion for filmmaking, she is sure to continue making a lasting impact in the industry.
