We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jingwen Felix Qiang. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jingwen Felix, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
To me, integrity is the most important quality—far above intelligence or energy. I bring integrity to everything I do, whether I’m leading engineering teams at Amazon or directing independent films. No matter how intelligent or energetic someone is, without integrity, real success doesn’t last.
In tech, I’ve learned that building products isn’t just about technical brilliance—it’s about trust. I’ve been given major responsibilities and led talented teams because people know I’m honest, even when the stakes are high or the truth is difficult. That reputation for integrity is what opens doors.
As a filmmaker, integrity means being transparent with my crew and fair to every collaborator. On set, things often don’t go as planned. Instead of hiding setbacks, I believe in facing challenges openly with my team. That honesty brings people together and leaves a lasting impact—long after the cameras stop rolling.
Achievements built on shortcuts or dishonesty quickly fall apart, but people remember those who act with strong principles. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in tech and film because I know it’s grounded in integrity. That’s what truly endures.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Jingwen. My journey bridges the worlds of art, technology, and venture capital. Early on, I studied art and later entered the venture capital field after graduation. Venture capital opened my eyes to how technology is reshaping our lives—revealing how innovative companies grow and how the future is constantly being built. At the same time, my background in art taught me the transformative power of new perspectives: changing minds, healing souls, and expanding the way we see the world.
By day, I serve as a Software Engineering Lead at Amazon, with over five years spent developing entertainment products like Amazon Luna (a cloud gaming platform), AWS StudioInTheCloud for filmmakers, and most recently, IMDbPro. By night, I pursue filmmaking. My upcoming short film, Calexico—which is fiscally sponsored by Film Independent—is in post-production and set for release in 2026.
At the core of what I do is the desire to connect the dots: to harness insights from technology and business, and channel artistic vision into real-world impact. I believe creativity can inspire change, and technology can make those ideas a reality. My story is about closing the circle between shifting perspectives and making them tangible, using both art and technology as my tools. That’s how I hope to make the world a little bit different—by bringing the two together in my own way.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people are sustained by trust, mutual respect, and shared understanding. Dishonesty—whether through lies, hidden motives, or betrayal—undermines these foundations. When someone is dishonest, it creates uncertainty and doubt, making it difficult for others to feel secure or valued in the relationship. The rupture grows as trust erodes, and communication breaks down, leaving people isolated or at odds.
However, these bonds can be restored. The process begins with recognizing the cracks and striving for integrity—demonstrating honesty, transparency, and a willingness to own mistakes. Restoration requires open communication, where all parties feel safe to express themselves and be heard. Rebuilding trust is gradual, often anchored by common goals or shared visions, whether that’s working together on a project, striving for a collective dream, or navigating challenges side by side. When people unite around a purpose, it reconnects them, reminding them of their interdependence and shared values. Ultimately, it is integrity—showing up with honesty and consistency—and working toward something greater than ourselves, that heal fractures and weave people back together.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Recently, I changed my mind about always pushing forward in life at a relentless pace. For a long time, my instinct was to act quickly and keep moving ahead, regardless of what was happening or how I felt. I believed that constant motion was the key to progress, so I rarely paused to reflect.
But I’ve realized that slowing down and taking care of my emotions is just as essential as moving forward. Often, in my rush to press on, I overlooked my own need for rest and self-awareness. I’ve come to understand that life is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. It’s perfectly okay, and even necessary, to take a break. Sometimes, stepping back for a moment actually helps you make greater progress in the long run. Taking the time to recharge and reflect enables you to move forward with even more purpose and clarity.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m fully committed to—no matter how long it takes—is that bringing together art and technology can truly make the world a little different and more meaningful. This commitment is personal and long-term: I want to create projects that have real impact, no matter the timeline.
One specific project I’m devoted to is making art, especially filmmaking, more accessible and relatable to audiences everywhere. Through my creative work, I strive to tell stories that change perspectives, spark imagination, and foster understanding. At the same time, I use technology as a tool for innovation, aiming to push the boundaries of how films are made and experienced.
By connecting these two worlds—art and technology—I hope to inspire others and shape new possibilities. Even if the process spans years, my goal remains the same: to leave a real mark, even a small one, on the way people see and create. This is a mission I intend to pursue for a lifetime.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was someone who made a meaningful mark through both my art and what I built. I want to be remembered as a person who contributed in ways that mattered—not just for myself, but for the collective history of humanity. Whether through films that moved people or technology that opened new doors, I hope my work helped others see the world a little differently, feel more connected, or be inspired to create themselves. To leave behind something lasting—creations that became part of people’s stories, and innovations that shaped what’s possible—would be the legacy I’d want to be remembered for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/calexico/
- Instagram: jingwen.felix
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingwen-qiang/
