We recently had the chance to connect with Jess Dang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jess, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
One of my dear friends from grad school started a weekly Sunday pickleball hang, and my partner and I have been going the past few weeks. It’s become the perfect reset with fresh air, some cardio, and a much needed break from screens before a new week begins. I’ve been surprised by how much joy (and creativity!) comes from moving, laughing with friends, and embracing this new hobby. It’s been such a great reminder that community and play fuel my growth. I love that pickleball helps me step away from work and make more space for joy in my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Jess Dang, a Chinese American Writer, Director, and Creative Director born and raised in Los Angeles. My work lives at the intersection of design and film, which I studied throughout undergrad and grad school. I’m drawn to stories that explore compassion and social justice, shine a light on mental health issues, and capture the complexities of coming of age. I believe art is a universal language – one that sparks connection and creates lasting impact. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply on purpose and weaving those questions into the stories I tell.
I recently wrote and directed my debut feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang (Kim’s Convenience), Fiona Fu (Lucky Lu), and Keiko Agena (Gilmore Girls). Honestly, it takes the belief of others in me for my work to really take shape, and Surrender is proof of that. It was both a commitment to myself and one of those rare projects where the stars seemed to align. Of course, making an indie film in today’s market also came with question marks – financing, production, and now the adventure of touring the festival circuit. As we look ahead to distribution, I feel both grateful and truly amazed at what this journey has taught me.
What a lot of people don’t know is that when I was younger, I wanted to be a pianist or a painter – even though I never quite got the hang of music theory or painted with oils, lol. In a way, film lets me live out those dreams differently. I think of each frame as a kind of painting, and working with a composer gives me a chance to tap into that piano language I grew up with to collaborate and create.
Outside of film, I’ve spent years as a Creative Director for tech and lifestyle brands, which eventually inspired me to start my own company, Long Lunch Break. It’s become an extension of how I like to work – bringing design and film together in a way that feels both personal and collaborative. Long Lunch Break is developing a few projects and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom, Gina, has always been my biggest cheerleader, supporting my path in art from childhood through college, investing not just financially but with unwavering love, honesty, and encouragement. I often think about the alternate reality of not having her, and how I might never have had access to visual art at a young age. Gina gave me the tools to succeed by encouraging me to take risks and discover my voice as an artist. When I chose to do the pre-college program at RISD, or when I wanted to move to New York at 18 to attend Parsons School of Design, attend USC for my graduate MFA in Film, she met each decision with curiosity instead of resistance. This industry can be unpredictable and emotionally exhausting, but remembering the sacrifices she made and the hard work she put in always makes me feel brave. Thank you, Mom!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’d be lying if I said no. A few years ago, while grieving a family tragedy, I went through a season that left me numb in a way I’d never felt before. I questioned whether it was okay to keep making creative stories for a living and began doubting my purpose, my role, and whether my work could truly do good. In that silence, some even asked if I was giving up, as though stepping back meant I was done creating altogether.
At the same time, I was navigating personal and professional changes, and rejection started to feel painfully personal, whether it was losing out on a job I pitched for or getting turned down by a festival. This industry can be brutal because art is subjective. During that time, my mentor, Brenda, encouraged me and created space for me to share openly. For a while, I stopped making films and focused on design, but I knew I wasn’t living as the fullest version of myself. Healing eventually brought me back to writing and directing, and that return reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when used with intention.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say I care most about faith, growth, community, and doing good in the world, often through creative work. And if they were teasing me, they’d add that I’m particular, an overthinker, and a bit more introverted than people might assume, more private than I seem, even though my Instagram is full of food and travel photos.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when there are no time markers, no traffic, and no deadlines – just space to be. I cherish no-agenda days, even if I have to block them off on my calendar; it’s like planning for peace. I love starting the day with multiple coffees with my partner, savoring that simple ritual together. In those moments, I can be fully present and create a healthy separation between work and life. I also find peace after pitching or finishing a project, in that brief but welcome pause before the next adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessdang.com, www.longlunchbreak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessdangxo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessdang/
Image Credits
Images provided by Long Lunch Break, LLC, Tabitha Yong, B. Rubén Mendoza, VC Media Org
