Meet Yeon Jin Lee of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yeon Jin Lee.

Hi Yeon Jin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before I became a filmmaker, I was a software engineer at NASA. It was an incredible experience, where I worked on cutting-edge technology alongside brilliant scientists and engineers. But as a first-generation immigrant and an Asian-American woman, I was often “one of one” in Silicon Valley. Those experiences ultimately inspired SILICON VALLEY GIRL, a short film I wrote and directed.

The story isn’t autobiographical, but it is deeply influenced by my time in tech, including the ambition, the pressure, and the loneliness of being a first-generation immigrant and a young Asian American woman in a privileged, male-dominated space.

I’ve always been drawn to thrillers. Growing up, I devoured Sherlock Holmes stories and fell in love with the tension and twists of suspense thrillers, especially French thrillers from the 1960s. Filmmaking gives me the chance to channel that passion into stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

We recently premiered SILICON VALLEY GIRL at the Academy and BAFTA-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival, and it has been exciting to share it with audiences. This is just the beginning of our festival run, and I can’t wait to see where the film goes next.

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?
Making a short film is challenging because you have to pack a complete story into a very short time. Every scene has to propel you to the next, and the ending has to land.

Transitioning from film school to the real world was another challenge. In school, you have mentors, resources, and clear deadlines. In the real world, there is no set structure. You figure it out as you go, learning to trust your instincts and build your own team. It was intimidating but exciting. That’s when I grew not just as a filmmaker, but as a collaborator and a person. Filmmaking is never a solo effort; you need a team who believes in you and the story. I’m grateful for the amazing team behind this project.

Our cast and crew have been incredible. Audrey Hui, our lead actress, is a second-generation actor. She’s the daughter of legendary actress Joan Chen. Audrey brought so much depth and intelligence to the lead role. Michelle Krusiec, an award-winning Taiwanese-American actress, director, and writer, whose breakthrough role in SAVING FACE made her a trailblazer for AAPI representation, lifted our film in ways I couldn’t imagine.

The challenges taught me a lot and made the final result even more rewarding. I’m proud of what our team created together.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m first and foremost a storyteller, and filmmaking is my language. I write, direct, and produce stories that entertain audiences and spark empathy because at their core, films are empathy machines.

I bring a unique mix of analytical thinking and creative instinct, shaped by years in engineering and my training at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. I’m great at turning complex ideas into stories that connect with people, and at breaking big goals into clear, doable steps. I lead with patience and clarity to help teams bring ambitious ideas to life.

Currently, I’m passionate about exploring the intersection of storytelling, AI, and creative technology, pushing boundaries on how narratives are crafted and experienced in today’s digital world. I’m most proud of staying in the industry, continuing to make things, and sharing it with the larger audience 🙂

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For mentors, I’ve found that instead of asking someone to “be my mentor,” building the relationship organically seems to work best. i.e. Asking for advice on one small thing, following up to share how I applied it, and letting the connection grow naturally over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimchiuttapam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisyjlee
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeonjinlee

Image Credits
Jaice DuMars