Yanyi Xie, a documentary filmmaker in Chengdu, China, has been making her mark in the world of visual storytelling. Currently based in Jersey City, NJ, her work centers on themes related to gender and cultural identities, often drawing inspiration from her personal experiences. Yanyi is dedicated to capturing the essence of individuals’ experiences, relationships, and emotions through the medium of film, highlighting the profound impact of the personal within a broader social and cultural context.
With a passion for documenting the human experience, Yanyi Xie has gained recognition for her thought-provoking films, which have earned her a spot on the radar of esteemed film festivals and iconic theaters. Her work has been featured at distinguished theaters in the Chicago area, including the Gene Siskel Film Center, Music Box Theater, and Block Museum. These venues play host to screenings for esteemed festivals like the Chicago International Film Festival, Black Harvest Film Festival and Asian American Showcase, and present film programs that highlight award-winning international cinema and filmmakers such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Mingliang Tsai, and Kevin Jerome Everson.
One of Yanyi’s notable contributions to the world of cinema was her participation in Destroy Your Art 2022, a significant event where she showcased and subsequently destroyed a short-form non-fiction piece. Her unique approach to storytelling resonated with audiences and added to her growing list of accomplishments.
Yanyi Xie’s film, “Silver Lining,” offers a poignant look into the journey of a drag artist navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. This compelling work found a platform in Reeling: Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, a cultural standout in the Midwest known for featuring a diverse range of top-tier LGBTQ+ films, including award-winning international features, social documentaries, and experimental shorts. Additionally, her work in Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 8, a program that has featured films that showed in over 100 film festivals (including Cannes, Tribeca, and Sundance). Such screenings are testaments to her ability to capture the essence of personal stories and translate them into impactful cinematic experiences.
In addition to her accomplishments in the world of documentary filmmaking, Yanyi Xie’s artistic range extends to personal projects. Her film “Thirteen Hour” serves as a heartfelt and introspective short documentary about her family. This touching piece was shown in the exhibition “The Heart of Home”‘ in 2023 at the 4C Gallery, an exhibition space for Chinese American Art in the States which has garnered recognition on Astron News, Tencent News, Phoenix Art, and Shoutout LA. Yanyi’s ability to explore the personal and familial aspects of life underscores her commitment to showcasing the intricate tapestry of human existence.
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Transitioning to her professional roles, Yanyi Xie has become an essential contributor to various film projects. As both an assistant editor and editor, she has lent her expertise to a wide array of endeavors, bringing her unique perspective and skillset to each one. Yanyi’s commitment to her craft is exemplified by her work on feature documentary projects alongside acclaimed figures such as Diane Quon (known for “Minding The Gap”) and Marco Williams (notable for “Two Towns of Jasper” and “Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre”). Her roles as an assistant editor and camera assistant have contributed to the success of these influential projects.
One of her significant contributions as a camera assistant and translator was to the documentary “Finding Yingying,” a film that received a nomination at the News and Documentary Emmy® Awards in 2021. Yanyi’s dedication to her work extends beyond the realm of film as she has also had her video works featured in a BBC series titled “American Birth” and a BIEDE (Vice China) article that focused on the Anti-Asian Hate march in Chicago.
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Yanyi Xie’s academic achievements complement her professional work as a filmmaker and editor. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Documentary Media from Northwestern University, showcasing her dedication to honing her craft and deepening her understanding of the art of storytelling through film. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Media and Cinema Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, underscoring her commitment to her field.
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As Yanyi Xie continues to make her mark in the world of documentary filmmaking, her ability to capture the essence of personal stories and experiences stands out. Her films serve as a testament to her dedication to exploring themes related to gender and cultural identities, driven by her personal experiences and a desire to shed light on the intricate and often unseen aspects of human life. With a wealth of experience and academic knowledge, Yanyi Xie is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the world of cinema and documentary storytelling.
To learn more about Yanyi Xie and her body of work, you can visit her website at yanyixie.me. Here, you can explore her portfolio and gain a deeper insight into the compelling stories she brings to life through her filmmaking. Yanyi’s journey as a documentary filmmaker is one that promises to keep audiences engaged, enlightened, and inspired by the power of storytelling.
