Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhiyi Zhu.
Hi Zhiyi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started studying film editing as an undergraduate student. At first, I wasn’t sure if editing was the right path for me. But during my studies, I met a mentor who recognized my potential and gave me many internship opportunities. She even recommended me to a feature film crew, where I learned a lot and realized how much more there was to explore and master in this field. That experience inspired me to continue my education at her alma mater, Chapman University. Here, I’ve been exposed to a wide range of creative ideas and perspectives, and have had the chance to work on many exciting and meaningful projects.
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?
The road hasn’t been smooth, of course. Film is an art form, and like all art, it often feels like talent plays a big role. Ever since I started studying film, I’ve constantly questioned myself—whether I truly have the vision and talent to stand out and build a meaningful career in this industry. On top of that, there have always been voices doubting the future of cinema, especially after the pandemic, when many related industries seemed to turn away from film altogether. It’s certainly a challenging field to be in, but for those of us who love it deeply, the only thing we can do is keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing that film will find new ways to be reborn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I focus on editing narrative short films, while also working on documentary editing and previz editing for feature films. I believe I have a strong sense of storytelling rhythm, and I’m skilled at using editing techniques to convey a clear story within a limited time. In today’s world, audiences expect stories to be denser and more information-packed, and I think I’ve adapted well to that demand.
