Roku Jingwen Long is a bilingual writer, director, and producer born in Beijing and currently based in New York. She specializes in international and cross-cultural film and commercial productions, showcasing her talent for storytelling across different cultures. She participated in the Boden International Film Festival for her movie Dear Vanessa and won the award.
Q. First of All, tell us more about your academic and work background.
I’m thrilled to be part of this interview! My name is Roku Jingwen Long, and I am a director and writer based in New York. I earned my MFA in Film from Columbia University and have been living in New York for the past five years. My work focuses on telling diverse stories, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Currently, I serve as the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, where I direct feature-length narrative video projects produced in New York.
Q. Cultural Influence: How has your upbringing in Beijing and your experiences in New York influenced your storytelling and filmmaking style?
Living in two international cities, New York and Beijing, has provided me with countless opportunities to observe diverse communities and the stories they embody. I grew up in the heart of Beijing, surrounded by embassies from countries such as the UK, France, Finland, and Thailand, which created an international atmosphere from an early age. Attending school with other diplomats’ children sparked my curiosity about different cultures and fueled my desire to tell diverse stories.
Coming to New York felt like stepping into an enhanced version of my childhood neighborhood, filled with people from all over the world. My neighbors come from diverse backgrounds, including families from the UK, India, Armenia, and the United States. I truly value my time here and am committed to sharing stories that bridge cultures and celebrate connections.
Growing up in a diverse community has shaped who I am, and I’m proud to have chosen another multicultural city to further my filmmaking career. This journey has inspired my films to focus on human connection and cultural fusion, which now defines my narrative style.
Q . Recognition and Awards: Can you share your feelings about receiving the Jack Larson Award for Collaboration for your short film ‘Echoes’? What does this recognition mean to you as an emerging filmmaker?
My film Echoes tells a heartwarming story: a harried mother of two boys is forced to close down her Chinese restaurant as COVID-19 begins to devastate New York City. In her last moments of operation, an African-American delivery woman picks up her final order, only to face a financial setback when the order is canceled. This sparks an unexpected friendship as the two women bond over the shared stress of the pandemic, finding solace through a lively social media trend.
Receiving the Jack Larson Award for Collaboration was both thrilling and deeply encouraging. As the director and writer of Echoes, this award represents a meaningful acknowledgment of my commitment to telling stories centered on multicultural themes. I believe Echoes aims to bring hope, conveying that even though the pandemic has separated us, genuine connections between people persist. This connection— regardless of race, age, nationality, or gender—is part of what makes life meaningful.
The Jack Larson Award for Collaboration provided $15,000 in funding to bring this project to life, and I’m honored that Echoes has been recognized with several awards, including Official Selection at the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Film Festival at Lincoln Center, Best Director at the 2023 Vesuvius International Film Festival, and Official Selection at the 2023 Micheaux Film Festival.
Q. Dear Vannesa: Tell us something about your experience with Dear Vannessa.
Dear Vanessa is an incredibly personal project that holds great significance for me. Serving as both the director and writer, I have poured my heart into this film, which encapsulates my unique perspective as an Asian woman navigating the queer community.
The narrative explores the intricate and often subtle emotions of love and friendship that can exist between women, highlighting the complexities and depth of those relationships. It delves into the unspoken connections, the quiet moments of intimacy, and the passionate dreams that characterize youth, all of which contribute to shaping one’s identity.
The film unfolds like a heartfelt love letter from the protagonist, Lucy, to Vanessa. Through Lucy’s journey, we witness her desires, aspirations, and the bittersweet nature of unrequited feelings. Each scene is crafted to evoke a sense of warmth and reflection, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of emotions that define young love and friendship in all its forms.
As a member of the Asian LGBTQ community, I have always been dedicated to amplifying our voices and sharing our stories. My film, “Dear Vanessa,” continues my thematic focus on human connection and communication, which defines my style. I thoroughly enjoyed the filmmaking process; we shot in New York’s East Village and throughout the production, we were met with overwhelming support from the local community, including friendly neighbors who offered both encouragement and assistance. This warm reception not only enhanced our filming experience but also deepened my appreciation and love for this dynamic city, making the entire project even more meaningful.
Q. Creative Process: What is your creative process like when developing a new film, particularly for your upcoming projects?
I’m starting with the script, as I do with almost all my films. I spend a lot of time building the characters and developing the storyline, refining the script until it feels complete. Every story I want to tell begins with one or several vivid scenes in my mind, which I write down as my first step. After this, I work with a producer to turn the script into reality.
Two parts of the process I especially love are storyboarding and casting. These steps demand a lot of imagination and creativity, and they’re also where I start building personal connections with my actors and crew. I deeply value these connections; I believe my films don’t just tell stories of human connection but are themselves a journey of creating connections. I truly enjoy this process of communication and resonance with people, both on and off the screen.
Q. Feminine Perspective: You emphasize a uniquely feminine perspective in your works. Can you elaborate on how this perspective shapes your narratives and character development?
I take immense pride in being a woman, yet I have never felt compelled to classify my films through a “feminine perspective.” Rather, I view my body of work as a representation of my unique vision as Roku Jingwen Long’s film. Each film I create serves as an expression of my personal views, illustrating what I consider significant from my standpoint.
My storytelling may center around women or incorporate a nuanced, gentle, and lingering style, but these elements are just facets of my artistic expression. They contribute to the richness and depth of my films, showcasing the complexities of human experience rather than strictly adhering to gender-defined narratives. Ultimately, what truly matters is that my work embodies my distinct voice and perspective, allowing me to explore the themes and stories that resonate with me as an individual creator.
Q. Challenges in Filmmaking: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your filmmaking career, especially as a bilingual writer and director?
I believe the biggest challenge isn’t language, since I’m fluent in both Chinese and English. Instead, it’s the reality that a director’s vision might not always be fully realized during production—a challenge many directors likely share. There are times when compromises must be made, whether it’s a shot that can’t happen due to location constraints or a prop that doesn’t match the original idea. These adjustments can arise at any stage, from filming to post-production editing.
Yet, one of the most exciting aspects of filmmaking is the unexpected sparks that come from collaboration. Other creators’ ideas, spontaneous inspirations on set, or suggestions can sometimes exceed what was carefully planned. To me, this unpredictability is the magic of filmmaking.
Q. Audience Connection: How do you hope your films resonate with audiences, particularly in terms of exploring human emotions and relationships?
I see the film as an art of emotion. A great film should allow audiences to easily follow the emotional flow of the story, experiencing the protagonist’s journey with every high and low. My films focus on evoking emotions, so I place great importance on ensuring that the story and characters resonate deeply with my audiences. I hope that by the end of my films, audiences feel a sense of release and resolution, finding a therapeutic strength through the emotions portrayed. I aim to have my audiences connect with the characters’ emotions, reflect on their own, and feel a sense of warmth and hope through the human connections woven into the story.
Q. Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who are looking to break into the industry, especially those from diverse backgrounds?
Believe in the narrative you wish to convey—every individual has a unique story that deserves to be told. When you find yourself feeling lost or unsure, take a moment to reconnect with your inner self; your authentic voice and emotions are the most important elements of your storytelling. If you encounter uncertainty in your work or direction, don’t hesitate to take action. Engaging with new experiences will not only clarify your path but also enrich your understanding of your craft.
Keep in mind that your next film, script, or project is just one of many in your creative journey, so release the need for everything to be perfect right away. Instead of striving for unattainable perfection, concentrate on the valuable lessons each experience brings you. Embrace each step of your process with an attitude of gratitude, recognizing the growth and insights that come along the way.
Believe that your dedication will eventually lead you to the success that is meant for you. The journey is just as important as the destination, and with persistence and an open heart, you will arrive at your desired achievements.
Q. Future as a Filmmaker: Where do you see yourself as an Indie Filmmaker in the future?
As the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, I am responsible for overseeing a diverse array of commercial storytelling projects—— My role involves not only guiding creative direction but also collaborating with talented teams to ensure that each project effectively communicates its intended message while resonating with audiences.
In addition to my work at Crazy Maple Studio, I dedicate my spare time to personal writing endeavors. Currently, I am focused on completing my first feature film, which I have been developing with great passion. I also enjoy directing short stories that capture my interest and inspire me, further honing my craft in storytelling.
I am deeply committed to supporting fellow independent filmmakers who share the same passion for authentic storytelling. To this end, I plan to establish a dedicated studio aimed at incubating independent short film projects. This studio will serve as a platform to raise funds, facilitate production, and handle distribution, enabling emerging filmmakers to realize their visions. My goal is to create an environment where these filmmakers feel empowered to express their unique voices and share their stories with courage and creativity.
