Taige Shi of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Taige Shi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Taige, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building isn’t something that ends up on the screen but the network of trust and creative connection that exists quietly behind my works. Over the years, through countless late-night calls, shared edits, and honest conversations, I’ve built genuine relationships with other filmmakers, producers, and artists who believe in one another’s visions.

It’s not something the audience ever sees, but those unseen collaborations shape everything. They’re the reason a small idea can turn into a film, or a script can find its voice through the right team. Behind every project, I’ve worked to create a space where people feel valued, where their artistry and culture can coexist freely.

That sense of community, built on respect, patience, and shared struggle, is what I’m proudest of. It’s invisible on screen, but it’s the backbone of everything I make.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taige Shi, and I’m an LA-based director/producer/writer who graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television with an MFA in directing. As an international artist, I’m passionate about creating films that connect people from different cultural and sociological backgrounds through shared human emotion and visual storytelling.

For my work and contributions, I’ve received the UCLA Mary Pickford Award, the George & Sakaye Aratani Fellowship, and the John H. and Patricia W. Mitchell Fellowship. My short film “Reconnect” was selected for several international film festivals, including the semifinals of the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival, NewFilmmakers NY, Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest, and the Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival.

My thesis film “Koi” earned an Honorable Mention in the Grand Jury – Narrative Shorts category at Dances with Films, and was also selected for other renowned festivals such as the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival and HiShorts! Film Festival. My documentary “Gaku: One Last Round” premiered at the 2025 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and had its East Coast Premiere at the 2025 Urbanworld Film Festival.

In addition to my narrative work, I actively collaborate with non-profit organizations, producing public service shorts for Human Rights Watch and presenting my work at events organized by Creative Visions. I’ve also contributed to the film community by serving as a screener for the 38th and 39th IDA Documentary Awards and as part of the documentary prescreening committee for the 84th (2024) Peabody Awards.

I’m currently working on my first features and producing other projects.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my wife. She’s always been a supporter of my works and stands by my side. We’ve built our lives and careers side by side, often navigating uncertainty, immigration challenges, and the unpredictability of the film industry together. Through it all, she’s been both my grounding force and my mirror and someone who sees the best in me when I can’t, and who reminds me why I create in the first place.

Our relationship taught me that strength doesn’t always come from control, but rather from trusting yourself, your partner, and the process of building something meaningful together. She’s helped me understand that creativity isn’t a solitary pursuit; it’s something that grows out of shared patience, empathy, and resilience.

Because of her, I’ve learned to see myself not just as an artist, but as a collaborator in life.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, during the pandemic. I had just finished my undergrad school, my projects were on hold, and every plan I had for my career seemed to dissolve overnight. Visa uncertainty, financial stress, and distance from family made it hard to see a way forward. There were nights when I questioned whether pursuing filmmaking as an immigrant artist was sustainable, or even possible.

But what kept me going was a moment of clarity, realizing that storytelling wasn’t just a career choice, it was the only way I knew how to make sense of the world. I began writing during that period, drawing on my own feelings of isolation and memories of home. The films I wrote later opened doors I never expected, but more importantly, they reminded me why I make films: to connect, to understand, and to keep moving forward even when things feel impossible.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve always believed in controlling the controllable. In filmmaking and in life, there are countless variables you can’t predict: funding, timing, recognition, or who decides to say yes. What you can control is the craft, the integrity of the story, and how you show up every day for the work.

That belief keeps me grounded, especially when projects take years to come together. My first feature is one of those journeys, and it’s evolving slowly, shaped by experience, collaboration, and patience. I don’t know how long it will take, but I’m committed to finishing it the right way, not the fast way.

“Control the controllable” isn’t just a mindset for me; it’s a way of staying creative in uncertainty and a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean speed, but consistency and faith in the process.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
Buying 100 bitcoins in 2015.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: 0826tiger
• Linkedin: Taige Shi