YuHan Tsai has firmly established herself as a prominent director and writer in contemporary film landscape, recognized for her unique storytelling and profound understanding of the filmmaking process. Her career is characterized by a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth, which resonates in every project she undertakes.
One of her most significant projects, "Dua Ji," highlights her ability to tackle intricate themes with sensitivity and nuance. The film, which revolves around a traditional funeral in southern Taiwan, posed considerable challenges in terms of casting and authenticity. The script's demands required actors capable of portraying deeply complex emotions, necessitating a high level of realism. The character of Ah-Xian, the eldest sister, was particularly challenging to cast due to her emotionally layered nature. Fortunately, YuHan found the perfect fit in Grace Yang Kuei-Mei, whose performance brought depth and authenticity to the role.
Securing funding for "Dua Ji" presented its own set of challenges. Although YuHan received an Filmmakers Grant from Columbia University, it was insufficient to cover the production costs. Undeterred, she took proactive steps, initiating crowdfunding efforts and reaching out to the Rotary Club in southern Taiwan for support. Additionally, she accepted a short drama project with ReelShort to help finance her film. Collaborating with Arrow Cinematic Group and local funeral homes, YuHan created a film that was not only visually compelling but also respectful of its cultural context. The experience of bringing "Dua Ji" to fruition was arduous, but it underscored her resilience and dedication to her craft. The support from her production crew, post-production team, and sponsors played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges, culminating in a product that she and her collaborators could be proud of.
In addition to narrative filmmaking, YuHan has explored the realm of music videos, which has enriched her narrative style. She believes that experiences across various filmmaking genres can inform and enhance one another. For instance, her work on music videos such as "Fridge" and "Clipped Wings" allowed her to experiment with visual storytelling in unique ways. "Fridge" takes the form of a micro-narrative, while "Clipped Wings" emphasizes mood and atmosphere. These projects taught her the importance of making deliberate choices in camera work and how to establish a tone efficiently within a limited timeframe. YuHan views music videos as a different form of storytelling that relies on atmosphere and visual language rather than dialogue, a perspective that has significantly influenced her approach to narrative projects.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of YuHan's creative process. She has cultivated strong relationships with a network of collaborators, including screenwriters, editors, and cinematographers. YuHan begins her projects by drafting a story outline and sharing it with her trusted partners. This initial exchange allows her to gauge whether her core ideas resonate and to refine the narrative based on their feedback. This collaborative approach creates a sense of community in the creative process, transforming what can often be a solitary endeavor into a shared experience.
Dua Ji director YuHan Tsai (left side) with cinematographer Murdo Barker-Mill (right side)
As a director, YuHan navigates both self-written scripts and projects authored by others. When directing her scripts, she emphasizes the need for ongoing communication with her team. This involves everything from pitching the project to producers to collaborating closely with department heads throughout pre-production and post-production. YuHan's ability to articulate her vision clearly to actors and crew members is vital in aligning everyone's understanding and expectations. She values the input of her collaborators, often integrating their ideas while making careful decisions that enhance the overall narrative.
When working on commercial projects or scripts from other writers, YuHan adopts a dual approach—balancing subjective interpretation with an objective understanding of the original story's intent. She meticulously assesses the heart of the narrative and the client's priorities, striving to respect the original purpose while incorporating her directorial perspective. This intricate dance of collaboration requires deep engagement with the material and an awareness of the creative goals of others.
Editing is another area where YuHan excels. She often approaches her projects with a critical eye, recognizing the necessity of stepping back to shape the material into the best possible representation of her story. This process can be challenging, as it necessitates letting go of moments she may have been emotionally attached to. YuHan has learned that effective editing often involves making difficult choices to maximize the impact of the available footage. When editing for other directors, she prioritizes understanding their emotional and narrative intentions, fostering open dialogue to ensure alignment with their creative vision.
Themes of female experience and emotional depth are central to YuHan's work. Her storytelling often begins with a specific emotion or observation from everyday life—fleeting moments, lingering conversations, or seemingly mundane scenes that carry significant emotional weight. Over time, she has recognized a natural inclination toward exploring women's perspectives in her narratives. While this focus on female experiences was not initially a deliberate choice, it has emerged as a defining aspect of her body of work. YuHan’s characters often grapple with their struggles, decisions, and vulnerabilities, providing a lens through which to examine broader societal dynamics.
Interestingly, YuHan does not consciously set out to write exclusively from a female perspective. Instead, she finds that the stories that genuinely captivate her attention and inspire her to write are frequently rooted in themes related to women's lives. This organic connection enables her to engage with her audience on a deeper level, transcending gender and fostering a shared emotional truth that resonates across diverse backgrounds.
Through her films, YuHan Tsai aims to convey the complexity and depth of female experiences while encouraging viewers to connect with the emotional truths presented. She believes that sincere storytelling has the power to move audiences, regardless of their background. This commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance continues to drive her work as she embarks on new projects.
Poster of Dua Ji
As she looks to the future, YuHan is poised to make significant contributions to the film industry. YuHan Tsai is not only a director and writer but also a storyteller committed to exploring the rich tapestry of human experience through her cinematic lens. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the complexities of filmmaking will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.
You can follow YuHan Tsai at
www.yuhantsai.com
And on her IG: @hanna_20044
