Award-winning director-producer Wenqin Ni opens up about her creative journey, unexpected on-set mishaps, and the magic of storytelling

Q: How did you first get bitten by the filmmaking bug?

Wenqin leans back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I wasn't the kid with a camera—I was the kid directing entire movies in my head, using our living room as a makeshift set. Film wasn't just a career for me; it was a calling. I double-majored in Film and Drama at UC Irvine, grabbed my MFA in Directing from Loyola Marymount, and then dove headfirst into the beautiful chaos of filmmaking."

Q: Your breakthrough film "Daemon" seems to have been a turning point. What made it so special?

"Daemon was my heart on screen—dark, emotional, a little weird. Basically, everything I love in storytelling. I wrote it, directed it, produced it, and poured every ounce of myself into the project. Suddenly, I wasn't just starting out anymore. The film won awards globally and opened doors I never thought possible."

Q: Speaking of doors opening, you must have some memorable behind-the-scenes stories. Any epic mishaps?

She bursts out laughing. "Oh, the Nike slides incident! Picture this: an intense emotional scene, our actor delivering a heartbreaking performance in a period drama set in the 1800s—and he's wearing modern Nike slides. As both director and producer, I was so focused on the performance that I completely missed the wardrobe disaster. Lesson learned: passion is powerful, but a second pair of eyes is priceless."

Q: You wear both director and producer hats. How do you balance creativity with practical concerns?

"It's a creative tango. As a director, I let my imagination fly wild. As a producer, I make sure we land on time and under budget. I see creativity and business as co-pilots, not enemies. The real movie magic happens when those two align perfectly."

Q: What drives your storytelling?

"Emotional truth. I'm obsessed with those small, powerful moments—the way someone avoids eye contact, the silence before a confession. I'm drawn to complexity: flawed characters, morally grey choices that make audiences squirm uncomfortably. Inspiration is everywhere if you keep your heart open and your notes app ready."

Q: Any advice for aspiring filmmakers?

"Make the thing. Don't wait for permission or the 'perfect' moment. Be kind, be resilient, and treat your crew like gold. They're the ones who'll follow you into creative battle time and again."

Q: How has your definition of success evolved?

"It used to be about awards and recognition. Now? Success means creating something honest that helps someone feel less alone. If a story I tell makes someone cry, laugh, heal, or feel braver—that's the real win."

Q: Final words of wisdom?

She leans forward, her voice passionate. "Chase your dreams like your life depends on it—because honestly? It kind of does. The world doesn't need safer stories. It needs honest ones. Messy ones. Yours."

Wenqin Ni is currently developing two original projects and expanding her work internationally. Her award-winning thriller "Daemon" is available on selected streaming platforms.