Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making Secret Garden. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
My journey into filmmaking started with storytelling. As a child, I loved writing stories, which later evolved into expressing myself through painting. I wanted to narrate stories visually and thought art was the perfect medium. Eventually, I was accepted into one of the top art high schools in China, where I joined the school’s film club. That was a turning point—I realized filmmaking combined everything I loved: storytelling, visual expression, and collaboration. It was a perfect fit for me, and I’ve been pursuing it passionately ever since.
Before Secret Garden, I directed a film called Beach House as part of my undergraduate thesis. It tells the story of a young woman, Hannah, who discovers a house mentioned in her parents' will—a place she’s never heard of before. Upon visiting it, she meets a mysterious little girl who resembles her younger self. This project was significant for me because it was the first time I directed a film from start to finish, overseeing every step of the process. I enjoyed every second of it, even the challenges, because it deepened my love for filmmaking.
Tell us about Secret Garden. How do you describe it?
Secret Garden is a fantasy story about two children who form an unbreakable bond, despite never being able to meet or touch. The moment they finally see each other face-to-face is also the moment their relationship is destined to end. However, I didn’t want to create a tragic story, so I found a way to give them a second chance to reconnect.
This film allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I worked with two young actors in challenging locations, like a conservatory, during the winter in Chicago. Fantasy stories inspire me because they allow my imagination to flourish, breaking free from the constraints of reality. Through Secret Garden, I wanted to create a story that feels magical but still deeply emotional and relatable.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
One of my favorite filmmakers is Denis Villeneuve, the director of Arrival. That film deeply moved me with its brilliant storytelling structure, connecting the beginning and the end in a way that feels profound and unexpected. The style, the pacing, and the emotional depth blew my mind. When I first went to see it, I thought it would be a typical action movie about humans and aliens. Instead, it turned out to be a beautiful, introspective exploration of relationships and communication.
Villeneuve’s work on Dune also left a strong impression on me. His ability to create immersive worlds with rich stories and stunning visuals is awe-inspiring. His approach inspires me, and if given the opportunity, I’d love to direct a sci-fi film in the future, blending intimate human stories with larger-than-life settings.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
I have an idea for a feature film that I’m very excited about. It’s a fantasy romantic drama about two cursed women. One of them wakes up in a different person’s body every day, living and dying within 24 hours. The other is immortal and has lived for centuries, unable to die. When their paths cross, they form a unique bond and begin to heal each other in ways neither thought possible.
This story explores themes of identity, love, and redemption. It’s deeply personal to me, as it blends fantasy elements with emotional storytelling. With the right budget, I’d bring this vision to life, creating a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
Keeping Secret Garden on schedule was a major challenge, especially since we had only two shoot days and were working with young actors. To manage this, I worked closely with my Assistant Director (AD) and Director of Photography (DP). Communication was key. We also coordinated with the parents of the minors to ensure the kids were well-rested and energized for their scenes.
We planned meticulously. For example, we had a pre-light day, allowing the lighting and production teams to set up in advance. On shoot days, we alternated between locations, so while one was being set up, we could film in another. This helped us stay efficient and avoid delays. Although it was hectic, the teamwork and preparation paid off, and we stayed on track.
What was the hardest part of making Secret Garden?
There were many challenges during production, but the biggest one was securing the right location. I envisioned a conservatory for the story, but finding one willing to work with us during Chicago’s winter was incredibly difficult. For a while, I considered using a garden as a backup, but the cold weather made it impossible. After reaching out to several conservatories, we finally found one that agreed to collaborate, which was a huge relief.
Another challenge was working with two child actors as the leads. Children have limited energy, so we had to be very mindful of their schedules. Despite the challenges, both actors gave amazing performances, and we managed to create a positive and supportive environment on set. I also feel incredibly lucky that the weather turned out to be perfect on our shoot days.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future projects?
I recently completed shooting my thesis film, which explores the relationship between a Chinese-born younger brother and his Chinese-American older sister. This is the first time I’ve focused on Asian culture and identity in my work, and it’s a story that feels very personal to me. I hope it resonates with audiences and represents my voice as an Asian female director.
Looking ahead, I’m also developing ideas for feature-length films. I want to continue telling stories that explore human relationships and emotions, particularly ones that highlight underrepresented voices. My ultimate goal is to create thought-provoking films that entertain while leaving a lasting emotional impact.
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