Meet Xinyu Cindy Li

I am Xinyu Cindy Li, a writer, director, producer, and editor with a BA in Film and TV from NYU Tisch and a Master’s in Virtual Production. My narrative and documentary films explore themes of nostalgia, identity, memory, and human connection—often through intimate, observational storytelling. Growing up in Beijing and moving to New York, I have developed an appreciation for the fleeting nature of interpersonal connections in big cities, but also a deep longing for nature that I have been searching for in life and in my artworks. I am drawn to subtle emotions and quiet moments of reflection. Influenced by my experience navigating both Eastern and Western perspectives, my work also contributes to broader cultural dialogues.
 

While I primarily focus on narrative filmmaking, I am also interested in documentary and hybrid storytelling, incorporating mediums like VR and XR experiences to push cinematic boundaries. I am drawn to nonlinear storytelling, weaving together fragmented timelines and moments to challenge conventional narrative structures and deepen emotional resonance. My visual style blends realism with subtle surrealist elements, contrasting the rawness of reality with dreamlike imagery, inviting viewers into a space between the familiar and the surreal. To capture reality, I often use natural lighting to create an everyday, documentary-like atmosphere. At the same time, I experiment with cameras, lighting, VFX, and virtual production to bring abstract and fantastical concepts to life. I care about details—light, texture, and sound—crafting immersive experiences that feel both tactile and introspective. 
 

I want my audience to resonate with the emotions embedded in my films — whether a sense of longing, connection, or displacement. My stories, shaped by my transition from China to the U.S., engage with themes of cultural identity and personal transformation, offering a space for introspection. Ultimately, I am motivated by the urge to express, communicate, and make an impact through film and art — bringing new ideas and perspectives into the world.