NYWIFT Blog

By Daryl Bright Clay

Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member, Hsi Cheng!

Hsi Cheng is an award-winning filmmaker in both fiction and nonfiction, she’s originally from Taiwan and based in New York City. Her work often delves into themes of identity, community, and resilience, reflecting her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her short documentary Find Me won the 2024 DOC NYC U competition and was selected for multiple film festivals.

Her horror-romantic drama I Heard a Fly Buzz won first place at the Annual School of Visual Arts Writing Contest and was published in Match Factory Magazine in 2023. Hsi is currently working on Voices of Deoli as an associate producer.

In our interview, Hsi Cheng discusses the powerful themes throughout her work and the importance of community. 

 

 

Your upbringing in Taiwan seems to have had a significant impact on your storytelling. How did your childhood in Taiwan influence the way you approach filmmaking today?

Growing up in Taiwan, going to the movies and renting DVDs from the local Blockbuster was always a family activity. It not only sparked my passion for filmmaking but also brought us closer together. So, I’ve always approached filmmaking with the goal of uniting people. I want to tell stories that reflect universal, human experiences—ones that anyone, regardless of background, can relate to. At the same time, I aim to showcase the uniqueness of each moment in people’s lives and the beauty found in the details that define them.

 

Your documentaries often highlight themes like identity, community, and resilience. How do you approach weaving these themes into your films, especially when tackling heavy subjects like human trafficking in Find Me?

Find Me was my thesis project at the School of Visual Arts. I started with the intention of focusing on a crime that occurred 40 years ago, relating it to both the place where I grew up and where I call home now. However, during the editing process, I realized the real story was in my subject’s present-day experience. The documentary evolved into a verité-style exploration driven by the theme of self-discovery.

It’s a heavy subject, but I found the universal theme of the human need to understand who we are. In my subject’s case, she had been stripped of knowledge about her birth family and her birthplace. And by reconnecting with these people and places she’s able to find out who she truly is. The film follows her incredible journey of trying to reconnect with her roots, and that the themes naturally came together.

 

 

You’ve received praise for your ability to bring out raw and authentic performances from actors. What’s your approach to directing talent, and how do you create a space where actors can truly tap into their characters’ emotional depth?

While I love making documentaries, I also have a deep appreciation for narrative filmmaking. I admire the bravery it takes for actors to be vulnerable. It’s not easy, and I always aim to create a safe and supportive environment on set. Although I wouldn’t say I’m an expert at it, I try to build trust with actors before filming begins. I love allowing them to explore their characters during rehearsal, helping them discover why their character does and says what they do, rather than telling them outright. For me, it’s all about making the character their own and fostering a sense of ownership and freedom in the process.

 

What brought you to NYWIFT?

When I was at SVA, I found a group of inspiring, hard-working women in film who were always supporting and celebrating each other’s achievements. We learned and grew together. It was comforting to have a community like that, especially in an industry that can often feel unstable.

As a new filmmaker, I believe NYWIFT offers that same sense of community—where we can help each other grow, learn, and, one day, reciprocate the support. I just love the energy that women in film bring to the industry.

 

 

What are you most excited about with the upcoming release of What’s Wrong With Eliza? How do you think the film will resonate with audiences?

It’s definitely an exciting, yet nerve-wracking experience. I’ve learned so much since finishing this project, and it feels great to be able to show people different stages of my creative journey.

With What’s Wrong With Eliza, I’m particularly excited to explore the frustrations of modern dating. It’s a story that many women can relate to, especially in a time when it feels like we have all the power—yet sometimes, we’re still trapped by the consequences of our own choices and broken trust. I believe many people will resonate with the emotions of powerlessness that come with navigating these situations.

 

 

You’ve mentioned stepping back from narrative directing to focus on documentaries. Are there specific documentary projects or issues you’re eager to dive into next?

Yes! On one hand, I’m eager to turn my short documentary Find Me into a feature and explore more stories of human trafficking victims. On the other hand, I’m currently working as an associate producer on Voices of Deoli, a project about survivors of internment camps. I’m also working on a few lighter documentary shorts following artists and collectors in NYC, which has been incredibly fulfilling. 

 

Learn more about Hsi Cheng through her website https://www.hsicheng.net/ and follow her on Instagram: @hsi._.cheng.

(All images courtesy of Hsi Cheng)