Beijing filmmaker pays tribute to his past – while studying in New York

An accidental filmmaker

Born in Beijing around the turn of the century, Wang didn't think he would pursue filmmaking.

He participated in the University of California, Berkeley's summer school in 2015 with a friend however and that changed.

"My parents wanted me to be a lawyer in the future, so all my courses were about law," Wang said.

"But my friend's schedule was much more interesting, and he could watch movies in class and then discuss those films with classmates."

Exchanging views with friends, he gradually found himself familiar with the most talked-about films, and became increasingly confident sharing his opinions.

That summer he realized he wanted to learn more about the film industry.

Back in Beijing he decided to study overseas after graduation and focus on film. Luckily his parents supported him.

For most Chinese students, high school time is a time of academic pressure – not so for Wang.

In addition to preparing for his foreign language exam, he spent significant time learning about the performing arts, including musical theatre, drama, and film.

During three years of high school, Wang worked as an actor, screenwriter, director and producer.

A production of Hello, Dolly! that he produced and starred in won many fans and gave him the chance to begin rehearsals for a Beijing high school tour.

He says a project's success is determined by teamwork, and that he wants to experience different roles on his way to better understanding film.