Daily Inspiration: Meet Shiyu (Cathy) Zhao

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shiyu (Cathy) Zhao

Hi Cathy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Looking back, I see that the main purpose of my video editing journey has never been to merely assemble images; rather, it has always been to build connections and evoke emotions. I found comfort and a sense of peace in watching movies and editing videos, where stories came alive through images and sound. My interest in editing began during high school, where I helped school’s clubs shoot and edit videos. Film gradually became a shelter, a safe space for me, a place to escape when I felt overwhelmed, allowing me to immerse myself in the worlds filmmakers created.

Now, as a student on the editing track at AFI, I’m continuously learning how to shape narratives in ways that truly resonate with audiences. Each cut, every sound, carries the weight of a story, and I’m excited to explore this further through new tools and techniques. Moving forward, I’m committed to creating work that speaks to people on a profound emotional level, using film as a medium to express the things that words sometimes can’t, and showing the unrevealed world to the audience.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never easy to break into a field you’re passionate about. In the past, as an introvert, I found it challenging to network and socialize with talented people. However, I forced myself to step out of my comfort zone, engage more with others, and learn from them. Over time, I developed better networking skills, which have helped me connect with skilled professionals and collaborators.

On the technical side, I didn’t have many opportunities to learn editing in high school, so I initially taught myself. During my internship and school years, I gained valuable experience and formal training, which helped me improve significantly and gave me the opportunity to truly dive into different aspects of filmmaking. These experiences have allowed me to overcome early challenges and grow into a more capable filmmaker.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Deeply passionate in creating stories, I am a film editor and storyteller. I specialize in editing both narrative films and documentaries, with a focus on creating emotionally impactful stories. No matter doing in any aspect of films, my work focusing on revealing social issues and people in need.

What I’m most proud of is the journey I’ve taken to grow as a filmmaker. It hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has shaped my creative perspective and deepened my understanding of storytelling. My emotional sensitivity, combined with my desire to use film and narrative to assist those who are often overlooked, sets me apart. As an Asian female filmmaker, I’ve experienced discrimination and microaggressions, which drives me to use my voice to help others tell their stories. I want to support people and fellow filmmakers who, like me, have faced obstacles that are often neglected. Whether through editing or writing, I aim to produce work that resonates on a deeper level—encouraging empathy, inspiring transformation, and prompting reflection on the world around us.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of the most important qualities contributing to my success is my curiosity. I’m always eager to learn, whether it’s about new techniques, different perspectives, cultures, or untold stories. This keeps me flexible and receptive to new ideas, enabling me to grow more and more mature as a filmmaker by continuously encouraging me to learn. It also motivates me to explore new things in my spare time and learn from the people around me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Taylor Feng, Cathy Zhao, Xiaoyi Luo, Shawn Gao