“Filmmaker Talk for the Youth” Successfully Held in Rowland Heights

Public Leaders, Educators, and International Filmmakers Explore Youth Creativity Through Film

LAPost/Rowland Heights, Ca (January 31. 2026) — The youth film exchange event Filmmaker Talk for the Youth, co-hosted by the Rowland Heights Chinese Association and the Elite Video Artists Association (EVA), was successfully held recently at the Rowland Unified Performing Arts Center. The event brought together state officials, education leaders, international film professionals, and local government representatives to engage students through panel discussions and live demonstrations, introducing the fundamentals of filmmaking and visual storytelling.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance was Fiona Ma, California’s 34th State Treasurer, who expressed appreciation for the organizers’ dedication to youth education and community culture, and encouraged participants to stay inspired, broaden their perspectives, and pursue their dreams with confidence. Harrison Engle, director and producer and former President of the International Documentary Association (IDA), also attended the event and shared insights drawn from his many years of experience in documentary and narrative filmmaking.

Cary Chen, President of the Governing Board of the Rowland Unified School District and President of the Rowland Heights Chinese Association, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of community involvement in educational development. Members of the RUSD Board of Education Cabinet and union leaders were also present in support of the event. Additional government and civic representatives included Andrea Morenl from the County of Los Angeles, Alan Wu, Mayor of Walnut, Mayor Samuel Kang, and Konstantine Anthony, City Council Member of Burbank.

Sarah (Ziyun Qu), President of EVA and a producer, spoke as a representative of the organizing committee in an interview following the event. She explained that the idea behind the forum was intentionally simple. Today, video has become a natural part of young people’s daily lives, with many students watching and creating videos every day, yet few have the opportunity to systematically learn filming fundamentals or understand how directors think. She noted that the goal of the event was to use film as a way to help students learn how to record their own lives. In her view, film is not only a storytelling tool, but also a way to learn how to observe the world, understand others, and better understand oneself.

The forum was moderated by Darren Jiang, a well-known bilingual host. Music producer and recording artist Jeffrey Kung discussed how film music shapes emotion and rhythm within visual storytelling.

Director George Retelas （Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Director George Retelas shared a director’s perspective on camera language, explaining how shot size, angles, and camera movement influence audience understanding and emotional response.

Yang Zhang, founder of Quantum Music, explored the integration of music with emerging technologies and shared practical examples of cross-disciplinary innovation.

Hollywood action coordinator Junchang Lu addressed action design in film, explaining how movement serves character development and advances the narrative rather than existing solely for visual spectacle.

Through moderated discussion and interaction among the panelists, the forum offered students a clear view of the multiple creative disciplines involved in filmmaking, from initial concept to final execution, helping young audiences understand the collaborative logic behind film as a comprehensive art form.

The event also featured a live filming demonstration, during which guest speakers provided basic filming guidance and helped students understand framing and camera use, allowing them to experience the enjoyment of visual storytelling through hands-on practice.

According to the organizers, Filmmaker Talk for the Youth is part of EVA’s ongoing efforts to promote youth creativity and cultural exchange through film and media. The organizers expressed hope to continue developing programs that strengthen connections between art, education, and the community, supporting the growth of young creative voices.