Interview with Chinese filmmaker Yihui Hu
Welcome YiHui, we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
Who is YiHui Hu and how did the passion for filmmaking begin?
I am Yihui Hu, a female filmmaker originally from China. In my journey towards filmmaking, I initially delved into the realm of storytelling through drawing. Sketching out narratives allowed me to visually explore the stories I wanted to tell. As my passion for storytelling grew, I ventured into the world of literature, trying my hand at writing novels to further develop my narrative skills.
This multidisciplinary approach to creativity laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors in film. My dedication to the arts led me to attend one of the top art high schools in China, where I continued to refine my skills and expand my artistic horizons. It was during this time that I encountered the opportunity to join a filmmaking club, an experience that would shape my path profoundly.
Joining the club provided me with hands-on experience in various aspects of film production, from scripting to directing. It was here that I truly discovered my passion for bringing stories to life on the screen. This pivotal moment solidified my determination
Can you tell us about your previous work?
Capturing the dynamics of human relationships through film is my passion. I believe that the essence of our world lies in the connections we forge with one another. Recently, I embarked on a new project titled "Secret Garden," where I explored this theme in depth. The story follows Anna, a young girl who finds herself lost in a beautiful greenhouse. There, she encounters Ryan, a sick little boy confined to a room. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, they discover the transformative power of connection and empathy. "Secret Garden" marks my first foray into crafting a fairy tale narrative, a venture that has been both challenging and exhilarating. Currently, the project is undergoing post-production, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share it with you soon.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: THE SAFE
What inspired you to write a story that blends elements of crime and personal drama? How did you approach balancing the dark themes of burglary and suicide with the development of a heartfelt bond between the characters?
I always wanted to tell a story where an old person attempts suicide and is unexpectedly saved by someone who should be the last to intervene. After considering various relationships, a robber emerged as the most dramatic and unexpected savior. The contrast between the criminal and the vulnerable elderly person intrigued me. Balancing the dark themes of burglary and suicide with the development of a heartfelt bond was challenging. I focused on their shared humanity and desperation, which allowed their unlikely connection to grow authentically.
To achieve this balance, I paid close attention to the characters’ backstories and motivations, ensuring they were complex and relatable. This depth allowed their interactions to feel genuine, despite the surrounding darkness. The robber’s struggle with guilt and the elderly person’s despair created a foundation for mutual understanding and compassion.
What are the key themes you aimed to explore in this film? What was the initial concept for "The Safe," and how did it evolve during the writing and filming process?
The key theme of "The Safe" is exploring unexpected human connections and the profound impact of timing and circumstance on our lives. I wanted to see what would happen if an old person attempts suicide and is unexpectedly saved by someone who should be the last to intervene. This central idea drove the narrative, highlighting themes of despair, redemption, and the potential for change. The initial concept for "The Safe" was straightforward: a burglary gone wrong that leads to an unlikely bond between a robber and an elderly person.
As the writing and filming process progressed, this concept evolved to delve deeper into the characters' emotional landscapes. The ending, though initially uncertain, ultimately felt like the most impactful resolution. Despite never meeting under normal circumstances, the characters could have become great friends in a different context. Their encounter at this specific time and place underscores the tragic irony of their relationship. The ending serves as a poignant reminder of missed opportunities and the harsh consequences of their actions.
The film's evolution involved refining the characters' backstories and motivations, ensuring their development was authentic and compelling. This process allowed the themes to resonate more deeply, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. While some may see the ending as overly harsh, I believe it underscores the inevitability of their fates, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
How did your background in fine arts influence the visual and narrative style of this film?
To be honest, my background in fine arts has significantly influenced both the visual and narrative style of this film. Learning art has honed my ability to visualize and communicate my thoughts effectively. This skill is crucial in filmmaking, where conveying emotions and themes visually is as important as the dialogue and plot. One of my personal trademarks is using a key color in each of my films to set the tone.
For "The Safe," I chose dark blue to evoke feelings of loneliness and sadness, establishing the atmosphere from the very beginning. This color choice helps to immerse the audience in the emotional landscape of the characters. Additionally, I employed several mirror shots to simultaneously show both characters, symbolizing their interconnected yet separate lives. This technique not only adds a layer of visual interest but also reinforces the theme of duality and unexpected connections. My fine arts background has also influenced my attention to composition, lighting, and the overall aesthetic of the film, ensuring that each frame is carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling.
What was the process like for casting the main roles, especially the elderly man and the burglar? How did you work with the actors to develop the chemistry and emotional depth required for their roles?
For the elderly man, I sought an actor who could portray loneliness and heartbreak, someone whose eyes conveyed a lack of hope. For the robber, I needed someone who looked tough and unsympathetic. It was a challenging process, but ultimately, I cast one of my best friends, Dylan, an inexperienced actor, as the robber. We didn't have the opportunity to rehearse before shooting, so on the day of filming, I had the actors engage in improvisational exercises to build familiarity and chemistry. These exercises allowed them to explore their characters' reactions and interactions in a spontaneous and genuine manner. To develop the emotional depth required for their roles, I used a combination of scene work and open dialogues about the film's themes. We discussed their characters' backgrounds and motivations, ensuring they understood the significance of their relationship and its evolution throughout the story. This collaborative approach helped the actors form a believable and compelling connection on screen, enhancing the overall impact of the film. Despite the unconventional casting and preparation process, the result was a powerful and authentic portrayal of the complex bond between the characters.
What do you hope audiences will take away and what emotions or reactions do you aim to evoke through your storytelling?
Through "The Safe," I aim to evoke a deep sense of empathy and introspection in the audience. The film explores themes of loneliness, regret, and unexpected human connection, highlighting the profound impact people can have on each other’s lives, even in the briefest encounters. I hope audiences leave with a heightened awareness of the struggles faced by the elderly, especially those dealing with loss and isolation. The film’s tragic irony underscores the potential for meaningful relationships that are often missed due to timing and circumstances. By presenting the raw, emotional journeys of the characters, I want viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of reaching out to those who may be silently suffering.
Were there any funny or unexpected moments on set that you can share? Did the actors or crew bring any personal touches or improvisations to their roles or scenes?
Working with actors of varying ages was challenging, especially given the significant age gap. Robert, the elder actor, was incredibly supportive and reassured me that I was doing well, which boosted my confidence. Casting Dylan's role was particularly stressful. After finalizing an actor, they had to drop out due to a knee injury just before shooting began, leaving me in a tight spot. My friend, a non- experienced actor, stepped in to play Dylan, which added a unique dynamic to the set.
Can you tease any upcoming projects or themes you're excited to explore in your future works?
I'm currently developing my thesis project for my master's program, which centers around an American-born Chinese girl whose world is turned upside down when her father introduces her to a younger boy she never knew existed — his illegitimate son. This marks my first venture into storytelling rooted in Asian culture. While I've often felt hesitant, my time in my master's program has equipped me with the confidence and skills needed to tackle this deeply personal narrative. I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to bring this story to life on screen, viewing it as the perfect launchpad for my career in filmmaking. I'm truly excited to share this journey with you all!
This marks the conclusion of the interview featuring our esteemed artist, YiHui Hu. Our community is growing steadily, with a continuous influx of skilled filmmakers and screenwriters joining us. Explore our other interviews, and consider scheduling one for yourself to showcase your creative endeavors.
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