Today we’d like to introduce you to Heyi Pan.
Hi Heyi “Huey”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a ‘system escapist’. My pursuit of storytelling and filmmaking began at 18. I aspired to enter China’s university film production programs through the national joint exams. While I achieved good exam scores, I couldn’t meet the demands of the test-based educational system, preventing me from studying at the top institutions. Therefore, I chose to study abroad, not too far away, at Dankook University in Korea. There, I underwent four years of traditional film education.
While it broadened my horizons and allowed me to see a wider stage, I began to question the educational system. I constantly doubted if film schools could truly nurture artists. Through my personal experience, I felt the rigidity of academic thinking and how it can restrict one’s approach and philosophy toward filmmaking. This pushed me to yearn for further film education across the ocean. After continuous reflection, I eventually arrived at Chapman University. Their educational system is more detailed, but it didn’t completely alleviate my internal doubts. I’ve always tried to break away from the system, yet I couldn’t detach from researching systemic knowledge. I grew and progressed amidst these contradictions and want to share my experiences and thoughts with everyone, encouraging them to challenge the system and ponder the best pathways for their personal growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
On the path of challenging the system, I often faced skepticism from elders. Those who benefit from the system often ask people to lead lives that strictly adhere to the norms. However, I’ve always felt that film schools, within such systems, can produce ‘craftsmen’ but are unable to nurture ‘storytellers’ with genuine original ideas and unique narrative styles. Amidst this skepticism and criticism, I’ve had many moments of doubting my own capabilities even considering giving up. But every time I finish shooting or narrating my own story and look at my work, I’m reminded of the significance of my persistence.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my stories, I always strive to uncover the truth, to explore the characters’ motivations in seeking secrets. I’m drawn to fantastical narratives, sometimes even dark tales. I enjoy chasing wonders and pursuing ultimate questions that people seldom touch upon in the real world. I believe humanity’s greatness lies in its imagination and its quest for these ultimate questions. These aspects are reflected in how we approach and handle every situation in our real lives. The magic of film, in my opinion, is its ability to take viewers beyond the confines of everyday life, to the limits of imagination, and to the very ends of space and time. Under the scrutiny of such spectacles, we can more easily see our true selves. When faced with unfamiliar and vast surroundings, we are raw and genuine. The universe’s inherent darkness is both beautiful and perilous. I prefer to narrate the most dangerous tales with the most composed shots, mirroring the essence of the universe we reside in.
What matters most to you?
I believe self-awareness is the most important thing for an individual. In this seemingly meaningless world, we are responsible for assigning ourselves meaning and value. We often crave stability, yet the only constant is change itself. In an unpredictable world, being able to profoundly feel our own existence is an invaluable treasure. Clearly sensing oneself signifies affirmation and boundless love for oneself. Only with these can we persist, expressing our true thoughts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11142030/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosohuey/
Image Credits
Di Li
