Today we’d like to introduce you to Iga Xiaoyi Zhou
Hi Iga Xiaoyi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Honestly, I didn’t think about becoming a film director until after high school. I always “envied” people who knew exactly what they wanted to do. I thought I was a determined person, but my ideas were often discouraged by my family. Like many traditional Chinese parents, mine wanted me to have a stable career. My tendency to think differently was labeled as ‘rebellious.’ By the time I was supposed to start college, I felt completely lost. Everything I wanted to do seemed ‘wrong,’ and I ended up feeling depressed and isolated, spending my time watching movies just to get through the day.
That’s when I first saw the beautiful power of cinema. Watching those characters go through their own struggles, I felt connected and understood. I realized I had a gift for observing life and writing stories rooted in real experiences. So, I told my mom I wanted to go to the U.S., where I could learn from the best in film. She was against it at first, but after my grandmother passed away, we both realized that life is short. We have to do what we really want with the time we have.
Coming here was a dream, but it was tough. I faced language barriers, cultural differences, and loneliness. I started film classes at Orange Coast College, but I could barely understand the assignments. Most of my classmates already had experience in film and knew exactly what they wanted. I felt even more like an outsider and started doubting my decision, especially when I missed important family events back in China, like weddings and funerals. I hit rock bottom. But I was lucky to have some amazing mentors at OCC who kept encouraging me to be myself and tell stories in my own way. Around that time, I met my husband, who’s believed in me throughout my entire journey, and his support helped me find confidence in myself.
After OCC, I transferred to Columbia College Hollywood (now California School of ASU) to go even deeper into filmmaking. Half of this journey was in the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t easy, but my teachers made it memorable, and I learned to tell stories that reflect my own life and experiences. I remembered why I wanted to become a filmmaker: to spotlight minority communities and people who, like me, sometimes feel out of place. I wanted my films to connect with people and remind them that they’re not alone.
I dedicated my senior thesis film “Candies” to the community of addicts for this reason. With a story of accepting one’s flaw and oneself, I feel like I have found my inner peace by accepting who I am. With my husband’s support, we started the brand Laughing Duck Production with the goal of continually developing stories with a goal of connecting and inspiring people. Also with a wish of seeing more people that look like me on the bigger screen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making films is expensive. Like many filmmakers, I’ve had to juggle multiple part-time jobs to support both myself and my creative pursuits. Finding time to work on my projects often feels like a battle against the clock. Currently, I assist in managing a fine dining restaurant. While I enjoy the job and appreciate how it sharpens my people skills and leadership abilities, it can be physically and mentally draining—and that exhaustion takes a toll on creativity. To stay grounded and keep my creativity flowing, I turn to positive hobbies like working out and meditation. They give me the mental clarity and physical energy I need to stay focused on my art, even during the most demanding times.
The past few years have been particularly challenging. I’ve lost some close family members, which added significant mental strain. For a while, I was stuck in a cycle where I lacked the energy to create, and that unproductivity led to even more anxiety, perpetuating the cycle. It was during this difficult period that I made “Candies”. The process was rough because, while I knew I had to make the film, my mind felt uncooperative. Thankfully, with the support of my team, family, and peers, I completed the project. The themes of Candies—addiction, mental health, and acceptance—feel especially personal to me because they mirror some of my struggles during that time.
Artists are incredibly sensitive creatures, which allows us to perceive the world in unique ways but also makes us vulnerable. I’m not in my clearest mental space yet, but I’ve learned to step back and take mental health days when needed. There’s a Chinese saying: ‘Good things are worth the wait,’ and I believe the same applies to art. You can’t force it—it comes when it’s ready. I hope all artists remember to prioritize their mental well-being because it truly matters.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a writer and director, with editing as another creative outlet on the side. My career primarily focuses on narrative films. I love using my work as a bridge to connect people worldwide who share similar experiences, inspiring them as films have deeply enlightened and guided me throughout my life. More than anything, I hope my films resonate with those who feel on the edge, offering them a sense of inclusion and reminding them that they are not alone in this world.
In addition to narrative projects, I enjoy creating music videos. Having been a vocalist myself, I see music as a vital element in films, visual arts, and life itself. It’s an incredible storytelling tool, and incorporating music into my work allows me to merge two powerful art forms that deeply move people.
I’m most proud of the authenticity in my films. I believe my strength lies in being a keen observer and crafting stories inspired by real events and genuine human experiences. Authentic characters and narratives create deeper connections with audiences. My films are always female narrative-driven as well. Growing up, I saw countless classic films where female characters were stereotyped—relegated to sidekicks or love interests for male leads. That lack of representation stuck with me, and now I’m passionate about contributing to a change.
I’m excited to see more films today that showcase female characters as multidimensional, tackling real issues faced by women. I want to be part of that evolution by creating stories with strong, powerful female representations—characters that little girls and young women can look up to. Through my work, I aim to tell stories from a completely female perspective, where women can do anything and be everything.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The film industry is full of rejections. Your ideas and talent might be turned down countless times before they ever see the light of day. And often, it has nothing to do with whether you’re “good enough”—it’s just the reality of filmmaking. One quote I love and often come back to is, “You can doubt your skills, but never doubt yourself.” Believing in your capability and staying true to who you are is essential. Persistence is the key to success in this industry.
Don’t be afraid to create something that isn’t fully polished. In today’s society, we face lots of pressure to chase perfection. Social media brainwashed us with images of flawless bodies, perfect lives, and massive achievements, making us believe that’s what we need too. But the truth is, nothing is perfect. I used to call myself a perfectionist until I realized that was just fear of making mistakes. Embracing imperfection removes anxiety and pressure and opens up space for creativity.
Another key is networking! One of my mentors once told me, “10% of a filmmaker’s time is shooting the film, and 90% is finding the people who can make the film.’ Filmmaking is never one-person games—it’s a collaborative art form. Surrounding yourself with the right people helps bring your vision to life and provides opportunities to showcase your work. Be proactive: spend time on set, attend film screenings, volunteer, and expand your network across all areas of the industry. Building these connections is just as crucial as developing your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laughingduckproduction.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igablues/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laughingduckpro
Image Credits
Old Towne Film Festival
