Today we’d like to introduce you to Chengyu Lu.
Hi Chengyu, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Beijing, China, and my interest in storytelling developed at a young age. It wasn’t until high school, after watching a Hong Kong film called “Chungking Express,” that my passion for filmmaking ignited. I hoped to use the medium of audiovisual arts to dream and captivate more people. In 2017, I was admitted to the screenwriting program at the Communication University of China, officially embarking on the journey of learning and appreciating the art of film from a creator’s perspective. While honing my skills in crafting audiovisual stories, I also gained a deeper understanding of the film industry.
In 2018, during my sophomore year, I was a co-writer for Tencent’s production of the film “Detective Diaries.” This crime comedy was well-received and garnered market recognition when it premiered on Tencent Video three years later, marking a significant encouragement for me.
Throughout my undergraduate years, I wrote and directed numerous short films. Among them, the short film “Japanese Orphan,” in which I participated as a screenwriter, was the most rewarding. The film focused on the survival and identity struggles of Japanese orphans in China. It was my first time writing a script based on historical realities, and I dedicated considerable effort to pre-production research. To understand the real-life situations of historical figures, I delved into extensive historical materials, interviewed numerous individuals, and gained insights into their experiences. Fortunately, the film made it to several international film festivals and received acclaim.
In 2021, after completing my undergraduate studies, I enrolled in the MFA program in Film Directing at Columbia College Chicago. Having accustomed myself to thinking about films from a screenwriter’s perspective, I wanted to broaden my understanding of movies from various dimensions. At Columbia College Chicago, in addition to mandatory directing courses, I studied various departments, including cinematography, production, assistant directing, and post-production, gaining a more comprehensive insight into Hollywood’s film industry processes.
In 2022, my self-written and self-directed short film, “Far Above the Starry Sky,” was nominated at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, often referred to as the “Chinese Academy Award.” This summer, my thesis film, “Oyster Sea,” wrapped up filming in Chicago and is currently in post-production.
After a brief break in Beijing during the summer, I boarded a plane back to the United States, and this time, my destination was LA. Over the past two months, my internship experience in Hollywood has taught me practical knowledge and skills that are hard to cover in the classroom. More importantly, I’ve met like-minded friends and professionals in the film industry here. Thus far, I believe my journey in LA may have just begun.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, the greatest challenge hasn’t been in my career or academic pursuits; it’s been a test of my spirit.
As someone born and raised in Beijing, I had never ventured beyond this city for more than a month. However, during my graduate studies, I found myself alone in Chicago, a city situated on the other side of the Earth. Confronted with an unfamiliar cultural environment, there was a period where I felt a sense of sinking.
Yet, it’s precisely these two years that mark the most significant period of my growth. Despite consuming much of my energy and emotions, I’ve learned to adapt to new environments and life stages, becoming more resilient in facing pressures and embracing life.
As graduation approaches, I have filmed “Oyster Sea,” a thesis film related to Chicago, as a tribute to this city and to commemorate the two years I spent here. Despite the challenges, this experience has been transformative, shaping me into someone who can gracefully navigate through the complexities of life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in cinema and television directing, with a strong background in drama, film, and television literature. My work primarily revolves around writing and directing films, and I have gained recognition through several awards and festival selections. Notably, my film ‘Far Above the Starry Sky’ was a finalist at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, which is akin to China’s Academy Award. Additionally, I have experience in screenwriting, with works like ‘Taste Detective’ being streamed on Tencent Video, a major film company in China.
What sets me apart is my diverse experience in both Eastern and Western filmmaking practices, gained from my education and work in China and the United States. This unique blend of perspectives allows me to create films that resonate with a global audience. Additionally, I excel in conveying subtle yet significant emotions experienced by everyone through my personal life experiences to the audience, creating a resonance with them. This momentary emotional connection, no matter how brief, is crucial to humanity. In China, there’s a saying ‘天涯共此时’ which translates to ‘at the ends of the earth, we share this moment.’ My goal as a filmmaker is to create a shared emotional vibration among people from different cultures and regions in a single moment.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the companions who have journeyed with me along this path. In moments of doubt and discouragement, I am always reinvigorated by their passion for cinema and art. Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to my parents, who have unwaveringly supported my dream of making films. Their belief in me and my aspirations has been a constant source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luvisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chengyulu1998/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chengyulu/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12816943/
