Ziyu Gao is an Asian director and film expert whose work has been recognized at some of the most competitive film festivals and awards. She has established herself as a leading creative force in independent cinema and is also a documentary filmmaker, with a feature documentary currently in production.

As a student at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, Ziyu has developed an award-winning body of work through school-supported projects, coursework, and mentorship. With the support of her school, she has developed a distinct cinematic style, earning both critical acclaim and prestigious awards. In November 2024, she received over $3,000 in grants to fund her documentary. The documentary, funded by the Alex Bhak Grant at Columbia Grammar & Prep, is part of an academic initiative to explore filmmaking education within underserved communities.

A recognized expert in filmmaking, Ziyu is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. Through her documentary work, she hopes to encourage young creatives to express themselves through visual storytelling. She has conducted extensive research in the field and actively engages with aspiring filmmakers on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares insights, advice, and updates on her projects.

Ziyu is also highly skilled in film analysis and directorial techniques, with expertise spanning genres from horror to action. She has published analytical pieces, including in-depth articles about the Oscar-winning film Parasite, using her technical knowledge of directing and production to educate others. Readers can explore her blog on her website, where she provides a comprehensive breakdown of filmmaking, from pre-production to distribution.

Key Facts About Ziyu Gao
● Creative problem solver on set, known for innovative directing approaches

● Senior at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, where she takes a film class

● Passionate about impactful storytelling that inspires change

● Strong advocate for teamwork and creativity in filmmaking

● Founder of the Film Club at her high school, as well as the Debate, Dance, and Acting clubs

● Her films will be screened at her school’s annual showcase in front of over 500 students

● Ziyu engages with over 300K monthly viewers on Instagram, where she shares insights from her school-supported film projects and academic research.

We sat down with Ziyu Gao to ask her a few questions regarding her work.

1. Are there any themes that you keep coming back to address within your filmmaking?

My films and themes definitely relate a lot to things that I have experienced both as a person of colour and as a woman in the film industry. One key theme in all of my films – be it horror, comedy, action – is identity. Specifically, finding your place within the world and understanding your connections to people. My most recent film that is currently in pre-production and it is a documentary about a nonprofit in Chinatown New York which gives younger generations education in film and the arts which is something I am passionate about and by doing this documentary funded by my Alex Bhak Grant by my high school, I am able to bring attention to this topic.

2. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts?

I would say to be sure of what it is that you want to do. When you’re very young it is hard to know what you want to do, which is fine, but pursuing an artistic career requires a lot of difficult work. Once you find your niche, you need to stick with it. My main advice after that point is to fight for yourself and believe in yourself, you need to have thick skin especially within this industry.

Through her work in film, education, and mentorship, Ziyu continues to make a lasting impact on the industry while shaping the future of independent cinema.

Interview written by Lily Board.