Ting-Li Tsai of Orange on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Ting-Li Tsai and have shared our conversation below.

Ting-Li, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Watching Sinners for the 3rd time on IMAX.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Film Director | Screenwriter | Storyteller of Cross-Cultural Narratives

I am a graduate film production student at Chapman University’s Dodge College , specializing in directing and screenwriting. My work explores identity, memory, and cultural intersections, often through intimate, character-driven stories. With festival-nominated shorts and scripts in development, I am passionate about crafting visual narratives that bridge Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and global perspectives.

I currently has one film in festival circuit titled “Commonality of Tyranny”. It’s world premiere will be at the Dam Short Film Festival February 12.

“Commonality of Tyranny” is a psychological drama set in a studio sound stage about a film crew. The production
was a film about the White Terror. Outside the set, the film’s writer Mei, and director Lin grapple with the portrayal of this moral conflict, reflecting on the pressures of censorship and artistic integrity. The story explores the tension between personal morality and political obligation, ultimately revealing the deep emotional and ethical struggles of those living under authoritarian rule.

Very excited to show this work to a wider audience as it touches on subject that is still relevant today.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When my film was selected by one of Taiwan’s renowned student film festivals, I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to showcase my work to a broader audience. Walking up to the stage after the screening was a truly special moment; it felt like my hard work was finally being recognized and that my stories mattered. It was also incredibly inspiring to meet other creators and hear them share their creative processes. Being able to share my own perspective with others felt deeply empowering as a creator.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I applied one of the best film school in Taiwan and failed to get in. It made me questioned my own talent and ability as a storyteller. I was gonna go on a different path because of it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
kindness. It’s a value I think anyone should fight to protect as it help us grow as a civilization.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
Not making a feature film. If I ever had to give up my dream as a filmmaker I would regret not making a short film before I walk away. It doesn’t have to be high budget as long as its a good story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16062627/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinglifilm99/?hl=zh-tw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ting-li-tsai-537807259
• Youtube: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11849598?share=copy