Today we’d like to introduce you to Myrtle (Wanhong) Li
Myrtle, thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a female filmmaker, and I am currently focusing on working as a Director of Photography. The first time I thought of making films was in high school. Because of the intense academic pressure in China, I would escape to the cinema whenever I had free time. My favorite thing was sitting alone in the second-to-last row, nestled in the corner, enjoying those ninety minutes of being immersed in a film. I was deeply fascinated by the moments when I could emotionally connect with a movie’s dialogue, music, and visuals.
That’s when the thought occurred to me—I wanted to make films. Films helped me understand the lives of many different people, and if I became part of the film industry, I could amplify more voices from around the world. With this belief, film has accompanied me since I was sixteen, shaping my journey until today.
During the national college entrance exam, I qualified for admission to the Beijing Film Academy, the best film school in China. However, I failed the math section, and because I fell short by just five points, I missed my chance to attend the school. Instead, I chose an ordinary university in Beijing, majoring in Drama, Film, and Literature, to become a screenwriter. During that time, I read numerous books and studied many theater scripts—an experience that completely reshaped my values. Amid the heavy disappointment, I slowly rebuilt myself, and film remained my constant companion.
During the filming of my graduation project, I experienced my first days on set. I realized that the appeal of lighting and visuals far outweighed the story itself for me. It was the lighting and camera movements that breathed new life into the narrative. This realization led me to apply to SCAD, where I found excellent professors and top-notch equipment. After spending a year in Savannah, I moved to Atlanta.
I think the biggest change that living in the U.S. has brought to me is my personality—I have become more open and more confident. I want to meet more people here and explore more possibilities within myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for me, as I grew up in Asia, where it is rare for women to be accepted in the field of cinematography, especially in the lighting department. In China, this is particularly challenging because, in their default worldview, women are seen as physically incapable of carrying heavy equipment, which leads to the dismissal of their artistic vision and the many tools they can create. I find this truly unfortunate. However, after coming to the U.S., I have noticed a significant improvement—at least at SCAD. At our school, I have met so many talented female gaffers and DPs who constantly inspire and encourage me. This experience has strengthened my belief that as I continue to improve my skills, the industry will become more inclusive and accepting of women.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a filmmaker specializing in cinematography and lighting. My expertise lies in crafting compelling visual narratives, utilizing advanced lighting techniques, and understanding how cinematography enhances storytelling. I am particularly known for my ability to balance artistic vision with technical precision, ensuring that every shot is not only visually stunning but also deeply connected to the story.
What I am most proud of is my perseverance in breaking barriers as a female cinematographer, especially in an industry where women are often underrepresented in roles such as Director of Photography and Gaffer. Over the years, I have honed my technical skills, gained hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, and worked on various film projects that have pushed my creative and technical boundaries.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge my strong aesthetic sense with a deep technical understanding of film equipment. My background as both a DP and a Gaffer has given me a unique perspective on how lighting and camera movement shape emotions and enhance narratives. Additionally, my experience working in different cultural environments—from China to the U.S.—has allowed me to develop a versatile approach to visual storytelling.
Beyond technical expertise, I am also passionate about fostering inclusivity in the film industry. I believe in creating opportunities for more women in cinematography and lighting, and I actively support and collaborate with other aspiring female DPs and gaffers.
I am eager to continue refining my craft, working on diverse projects, and contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic film industry.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I really love the ShotDeck app, and I often draw inspiration from it. Its database contains a vast collection of movie stills, annotated with details on color, composition, lighting, and other visual elements. It’s especially useful for directors, cinematographers, production designers, and other creatives seeking inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtlelee_ovo?igsh=ZTM0dTRzYXU5OGZz&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanhong-li-666871304
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRLM4ukTXUBEqAgWEsVZrLA
Image Credits
Lucas/Luna
