Xueyang (Lyncis) Niu- Director, Writer, Producer, & Production Designer.

Edition Seventy-One- Week Seventy-One:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What describes your career, profession, and vocation? Why and how so?

“Since my high school years, I knew I would become a filmmaker. To this day, I firmly believe filmmaking is not only my passion but also the conduit through which I can achieve inner tranquility and serve others with unwavering compassion. I regard myself as a newbie in the film industry. I just graduated from NYU Tisch, and, although I managed to secure film-related employment during a tumultuous time in the industry, I find myself somewhat hesitant when questioned about my specialization or the genres of film I create, as I am still exploring and defining my unique voice in this vast artistic realm. I don’t have those things yet. But in this journey of self-discovery, I have come to realize my most wanted position is producer, because the role of a producer embodies the harmony between dreams and reality, a balance I seek in both my professional and personal life – to be both empathetic and rational. I gravitate towards home-based work but also thrive on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. My core values are rooted in helping others, an ethos that initially drew me to the world of filmmaking. I know the genres I want to talk about most are social issue related genres. Each of the films I’ve created thus far has been anchored in the exploration of societal challenges, ranging from the struggles faced by marginalized communities to the complexities of mental health.”

What are some highlights in your own line of work for the year 2024 and beyond?

“This year I finished my thesis film called “Before Firework”. It took me six days in total to finish it and it’s the first time I have worked with more than 50 people. It’s very ambitious and changeling, because as an indie filmmaker director/producer, I can’t dysfunction during the tedious preproduction and the actual production. I am proud to see it is successfully finished and this film is currently in post-production and the final film will be ready on April 28th. Besides that, I am preparing to apply for my O-1 visa in order to stay in LA doing film. I am working on shooting and editing commercials, doing producing and production design freelance, and doing marketing work for the company I am currently working in.”

Who has been your biggest inspiration overall?

“Aamir Khan is definitely my biggest inspiration in terms of what I want to achieve as a filmmaker. While Aamir Khan’s films may not always boast high levels of artistic innovation, they possess a remarkable accessibility and simplicity that resonate with audiences, incorporating popular elements to reach a wide demographic. Notably, his choice of subject matter addresses pressing societal issues such as gender equality, religious diversity, and educational reform, serving as a vehicle for conveying essential values. His films and documentaries have had a positive impact, contributing to incremental improvements in our world. I deeply admire his willingness to leverage his celebrity status to amplify the voices of the marginalized. Inspired by his example, I aspire to create films that are both intellectually stimulating and commercially successful, fostering dialogue and fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society.”

How do you measure success, and what has been your level of success so far? How do you envision your success for the future?

“I don’t subscribe to the notion that success in life is marked by a single moment of realization. Instead, I see success as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. As long as my filmmaking endeavors continue to bring me and others comfort and inner peace, while also sustaining my livelihood, I don’t consider myself unsuccessful. If, from time to time, my films connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, eliciting emotions and offering solace, thereby alleviating their sense of isolation in both struggles and joys, then I consider that a form of success. However, I may never truly be aware of these moments.”

If you could work with three industry executives in the business, who are the top three you would collaborate with, if given the chance?

“I would work with Scott Stuber (the head of Netflix), Ang Lee (my favorite director/writer), and David Fenkel (the head of A24).”

Where can we learn more about your work, and why should we? What is a message to future directors, writers.

“You can learn more about my work at my personal website (https://www.lyncisportfolio.com/). The reason is so that maybe you can see some good films. (potentially?) My message to future directors and writers is a quote from Jia Zhangke to share with my fellow young directors and writers, “The best age is best not to be too timid. Young people need the courage to break the boat, and you won’t be hurt all over.””