Taiwanese Director Hsiao-Hsia Huang Tells Immigrant Stories and Explores the Power of Vertical Films in Hollywood

Hsiao-Hsia "Charlotte" Huang, a rising Taiwanese director making waves in Hollywood, is carving a unique path by focusing on the often-untold stories of first-generation immigrants. With a background steeped in both Eastern and Western cinematic traditions, Huang brings a fresh perspective to the screen, crafting narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

Huang's journey to filmmaking began in Taiwan, where her initial ambition was to become a novelist, finding early success with Tencent, a leading Chinese media conglomerate. However, a fascination with visual storytelling, sparked by the evocative world of Hong Kong Director Wong Kar Wai, led her to shift her focus to directing.

"Growing up in Taiwan has been one of the biggest factors in shaping my unique voice as a director in Hollywood," Huang explains. "When I was 6, I was first introduced to Asian cinema by my parents before later discovering Hollywood films. Eastern films tend to focus more on introspection, societal themes, and the exploration of the inner world rather than an action-driven protagonist. I’m fascinated by both approaches to storytelling, and having the opportunity to learn from both traditions allows me to craft narratives that offer audiences a fresh perspective."

To hone her skills, Huang earned a B.A. in English Literature in Taiwan and furthered her education with a year of film production at Hong Kong Baptist University, a top-ranked film school in Asia. Her time in Hong Kong proved invaluable, providing her with a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and character development.

"I have been a big fan of director Wong Kar-wai," Huang shares. "After watching his films, I became fascinated by his storytelling and visual style, which led me to make films in Hong Kong from 2019 to 2020."

Living in Hong Kong, a city that seamlessly blends Chinese and Western cultures, profoundly impacted Huang's perspective. "With its unique geographical location and historical background, Hong Kong is a place where Chinese and Western cultures intersect. You can see this cultural fusion in many aspects of daily life, from food and restaurants to performances and people." She adds, "This experience of living in Hong Kong has deeply enriched my perspective as a director, providing me with greater insight into portraying complex characters and exploring how cultural influences shape their identities and experiences."

Huang specializes in family and coming-of-age dramas, employing a realist visual style to portray the lives of ordinary individuals navigating the complexities of life with muted emotions, often suppressed within the context of Asian culture. Her passion lies in inspiring audiences to re-evaluate life's events from new and unexpected angles.

Her filmography includes Jin, a short film about a first-generation Chinese immigrant and single father who struggles with his relationship with his American-born daughter, while grappling with his past. "Unlike many immigrant stories that center on second-generation perspectives, I chose to follow the father, Jin, and explore his experience of immigrant life," Huang explains. "A single dad struggling with English and unable to connect with his American-born daughter, Jin unexpectedly reunites with his former lover from China—the one who chose not to follow him to the U.S. decades ago. Through their reunion, we see two people who took different life paths, each now facing their own unresolved dilemmas, shaped by the choices they made."

Huang's inspiration for "Jin" stemmed from observations within the Chinese community in the U.S. She noticed that many first-generation immigrants, despite living in the country for decades, often feel disconnected from American society. The film performed strongly at festivals and was screened at the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival, alongside Oscar-winning films such as "A Real Pain" and "Dune: Part Two". It was also selected for one of the most prestigious film programs in China, the Youth Short Film Season at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

"I noticed many middle-aged individuals—first-generation immigrants—who have lived in the U.S. for over decades yet still feel disconnected from American society, and unable to communicate in English," she says. "I had the opportunity to interview some of them, and while many admitted that life in the U.S. can be challenging, they never considered moving back to their home countries. Having been away for so long, they felt they had missed their chance to build a career or family, and no longer belonged there."

This led Huang to ponder the question of "belonging" for immigrants, and whether their priorities lie more in securing a better future for their families. She also directed Egg Man, a film about Mr. Ren's son who donates his organs before passing away, and Emily, a story about an obsessive neighbor who watches her every day, among others.

Huang earned her M.F.A. degree in film production with a directing emphasis from Chapman University. Her projects have garnered recognition at prestigious Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying film festivals, including LA Shorts, Flickers' Rhode Island, and Out on Film.

Beyond her work with traditional films, Huang is also embracing the rapidly growing world of vertical films. "In today's world, where people are constantly connected to their phones, vertical films in the 9:16 format have become one of the most popular trends," she notes. "Audiences can watch films anywhere, anytime, as long as they have their phones with them."

The market for vertical dramas is booming, with projections estimating a global value of over $13.8 billion by 2027. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for short-form content and mobile-friendly viewing habits.

"I began directing vertical films as the vertical dramas first break in the international market, and my career has been growing alongside this emerging trend," Huang explains. "The rising demand for vertical storytelling has led to continuous opportunities from various platforms, allowing me to explore new creative possibilities each month."

For Huang, the magic of filmmaking lies in the ability to translate her internal visions onto the screen. "My favorite part of being a director is the ability to recreate the feelings and visions in my mind and bring them to life on screen. Beyond just dialogue or plot, I use visual language, like cinematography, production design, and costume design to enhance the storytelling." She also values the collaborative aspect of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and leadership. "I’m also deeply fascinated by the magic of teamwork and the role of a director as a leader across all departments. I love collaborating with different teams to align everyone’s efforts for the story’s vision. Working with actors is another aspect I truly enjoy. I enjoy guiding them to deeply understand their characters, pushing them beyond their limits, and helping them deliver their best performances."

Huang continues to build a promising career in Hollywood, driven by her unique perspective, dedication to capturing authentic stories, and embrace of innovative filmmaking formats. Beyond her filmmaking endeavors, she also finds time to express her musical talent, singing original Mandarin songs and playing the guitar at local bars. With her talent and passion, Huang is undoubtedly a director to watch.