Born and raised in China, Joey Zhao is an award-winning writer-director. She was selected by the Indeed Rising Voices Program season 3, initiated by Lena Waithe, Jackie Chan Project A for Films, Young director support Program of Beijing Liangjie Culture Media Co., Ltd. 

 

Inspired by magic realism and animation, Joey has been mentored by renowned director Emir Kusturica. Her works have been selected to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, Asian American International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner, Beijing International Film Festival, Huading Awards, Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, and dozens of festivals and exhibitions worldwide. 

 

With a Film&TV BFA at the Central Academy of Drama, Joey was funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council to study at AFI, and she is going to pursue her Ph.D. in Sociology & Film at Tsinghua University. Joey wants to tell stories that promote awareness for marginalized minorities and explore themes of females, family, and death. She aims to bring warmth, strength, and love to the universe through motion picture art.