Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadi Tsang.
Hi Kadi, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My path was not exactly linear. While I gravitated towards science in my younger years, there was always a counterpoint in the arts – music and drama held a special place in my heart. This duality extended to my volunteer work. I spent time with both youth and elders across continents, from Hong Kong to New York. These experiences opened my eyes to a world of misunderstandings. Growing up in Asia, I witnessed a lot of unspoken communication, where feelings and emotions simmered beneath the surface. I felt a calling to bridge these gaps and foster deeper mutual understanding.
A high school internship at Bronze Visual Art in Taiwan proved to be a turning point. Guided by incredible mentors, I was given the amazing opportunity to join a documentary project. This experience ignited a passion within me, and with their encouragement, I decided to pursue a career that melded my love of storytelling and my desire to connect people. It was a pivotal moment, and along the way, I have been fortunate to meet many inspiring individuals who became mentors, collaborators, and friends. It has been a journey of exploration and growth, leading me to where I am today.
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?
The journey certainly has its bumps. My family didn’t understand the creative field initially, which naturally led to concerns about my future. It took time to patiently explain the opportunities and realities of this path to demonstrate the potential of this career. Building a career in a new creative space, especially with a different cultural and language background, has its challenges. Proving your worth and getting your ideas heard can be a significant challenge. You encounter situations where you need to be extra articulate to overcome cultural barriers. There were times when I encountered people who weren’t encouraging or helpful, even toxic at times. Building confidence and learning to effectively pitch both my ideas and myself were hurdles I had to overcome.
The fear of rejection is real, and it takes time to develop the confidence needed to put yourself out there. The ever-present comfort zone makes it easy to settle into familiar territory. The push to constantly explore and break new ground can be daunting. Yet, despite these hurdles, the rewards of pursuing my passion far outweigh the challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a writer and director, my passion lies in crafting stories that explore the complexities of human connection, particularly focusing on aging, mental health, cultural diversity, and gender roles. My films have tackled issues like dementia, the struggles of immigrants, and women’s empowerment, garnering international acclaim at film festivals. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my work. I have partnered with a local New York non-profit to create short films that raise awareness about critical issues like hate crimes and self-defense. My diverse background doesn’t stop at storytelling. Over the past few years, I have produced a wide range of projects, including music videos, commercials, short films, feature films, and foreign television shows. I have also gained extensive experience working across various departments, from sound and camera assisting to the grip and electric departments and art departments. This well-rounded experience has given me a deep understanding of the filmmaking process as a whole.
My creative spark extends beyond film. I have also hosted art exhibitions and large-scale live shows, all centered around the theme of cultural diversity. Through my work, I strive to bridge divides, foster empathy, and spark important conversations.
This combination of experience, along with my passion for social commentary and films that explore human experiences, allows me to approach storytelling with a unique perspective and a strong foundation in filmmaking.
How do you think about luck?
The path of a creative is rarely paved solely with one’s own footsteps. While dedication and passion are the engine, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a network of talented collaborators and mentors who have shaped my creative life. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with an extraordinary group of individuals. These talented storytellers, whom I now call dear friends, have placed their trust in me, offering opportunities and fostering a spirit of collaboration. Their willingness to share honest feedback and guidance has been invaluable. I am eternally grateful to them, including Katusha Jin, Yutong Xie, Michael Cong, Uran, Amy Tiong, Samuel Woo, and many more.
Beyond collaboration, I’ve been fortunate to encounter exceptional mentors and funders like Yemane Demissie, Christine Dehaven, Aaron Ke from Bronze Visual Art, Nuer Taqa from Radiance Pictures, William Kwok, and He Fan. Their presence has been a guiding light, propelling me forward and nurturing my creative spirit.
Looking back, I recognize that these fortunate encounters were not merely strokes of luck but rather the ability to recognize and cherish the connections we forge along the way. I am truly thankful for their willingness to collaborate, offer guidance, and share a passion for storytelling that has been instrumental in my growth. It is a privilege to work alongside such talented and inspiring individuals, and I look forward to the collaborative adventures that lie ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaditsang.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaditsang/
Image Credits
Anson Ao
Katusha Jin
corvus_visio
Nathan Ho
Michael Cong
Ryan Christopher Lee
