Meet Kun Chen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kun Chen.

Hi Kun, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am currently an Editing fellow at American Film Institute. Before I came to America, I was a sound editor in China. I have worked on many films, including some well-known films in China. These works have earned me some awards and a career reputation in my field. I am very grateful for those years of working, during which I established my essential understanding of film and learned the process of film production. A few years ago, I really wanted to discover more about the world, then I came to America. And in 2020, I applied for AFI. As of today, I have edited several short films, one of which has just been to a festival. My team and I are currently preparing for our thesis film. I believe this will be a beautiful and profound film. After this summer, I will officially start my work journey in LA. I am very excited about it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving to the US is a huge challenge for me. I barely spoke English before, and I left school for many years. So for me, it means starting from zero in a new country. But fortunately, I met many people who helped me tremendously. Like Amy Jones, my first English teacher in the US. She volunteered to teach English to me and other English as second language friends twice a week for years and never stopped. I don’t know what supports her working so hard, but I believe and have learned that passion and love change the people around her. As a filmmaker, it is such a valuable experience that I can feel the connection between people across counties and cultures.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a film editor. I work with directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, production designers, sound designers, and other filmmakers to use visual and audio languages to tell stories on screen. To be simple, each film is like one condensed life. My work is putting all images together and giving them life, which fascinates me. The manipulation of time and space in every cut creates emotion. That’s the power that the art of film gifts to an editor. So far, I’ve participated in various films and worked with many filmmakers. That said, working as a film editor, I feel like living in different worlds with characters. It completely expanded my life experience. At the same time, as my understanding of life deepens, I also find that the more genuine I tell the stories, the more connection with people. That’s the real joy that as a film editor.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think you know yourself first and define the career path that you are passionate about. Then seek a mentor matching your goal. Successful mentoring is all about connection and relationships. Trying to reach out to mentors with specific questions and ideas is a good place to start. I used to worry that it would be embarrassing to contact mentors purposefully. But then I found out that the mentors were more than happy to lend a hand. Because for them, this kind of professional respect is a positive and sustainable return for society.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10491935/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_12 

Image Credits
Yuanyuan, Corrine McGarey