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Ziyu Gao
Director / PRODUCER / CREATOR
Based in New York City, I am a versatile woman in many aspects.
I am a filmmaker, actress, and advocate.​
As a director, I've created impactful short films to empower those who feel alone, with a focus on representing women of color. My work has gained recognition from local and international film festivals, including the Los Angeles Film Awards and Independent Shorts Award.
I currently have 2 films in post-production and one in pre-production. I had the pleasure of making five films during a six-week summer program at USC. Equally in front of the camera, I have graced the silver screen in two distinct films, winning the Roger Reese Award for excellence in acting.
I founded my own production company, Creative Picture Productions this year, to further amplify voices and stories that matter.
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Press
Featured on the cover of WILL Magazine, December 2024.
© WILL Magazine. All rights reserved.
Films
Ways of Talking
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USC School of Cinematic Arts
Writer, Director Producer: Ziyu Gao​
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An independent 5-minute short film about a police interrogation of a young girl about the death of her brother, ultimately revealing unsettling details about the brother's final days.
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International Awards:
Los Angeles Film Awards, Semi- Finalist 2024.09
•New York Shorts International Film Festival- Best Actress 2024.10
• Alex Bahk Awards, Winner, 2024.11
• New York International Films Infest Festival (US) (NYCIFF)- Winner 2024.10
• Independent Shorts Awards- Finalist 2024.10
• Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival- Official Selection 2024.10
• NEW YORK INDIE SHORTS AWARDS- Official Selection 2024.10
• YoFiFest, The Yonkers Film Festival- Official Selection 2024.10
• Indie Short Fest, Official Selection 2024.09
• Cut International Short Film Festival, Official Selection 2024. 09
• New York Tri-State International Film Festival, Official Selection 2024. 09
• New York Lift-Off Film Festival, Official Selection 2024.07
• Oniros Film Awards® New York, Finalist-Best Director in a Short Film 2024.06
• Nominee Selection for Performance In Musical, The Roger Rees Awards Outstanding Performer Award 2024.04
Everything But
New York Film Acadamy (NYFA)
Eve (Lead): Marilyn Rescate​
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In a New York apartment, Eve, 18, struggles with her emotions as she tries to find an escape from her grief. Faced with a difficult decision, she retreats within herself as she attempts to break free from loneliness and the past, embracing another version of her identity.