I am a filmmaker exploring the intersection of cinema and society, with particular interest in themes of urban life, memory, and identity. My creative vision is shaped by philosophy and sociology — concepts such as temporal continuity, the experience of the Other, and the sense of place. I also draw inspiration from film aesthetics, from Bazin's realism to the Kuleshov effect, and seek to translate abstract feelings into cinematic language. Recent work includes the screenplay A Relatively Long Summer, which portrays the dilemmas of a young man in a remote town caught between the desire to leave and the pull to stay. In this project I experiment with balancing observational realism and poetic expression, pushing the boundary between documentary and fiction.

Jianan (Ryan) Shi

I am a filmmaker exploring the intersection of cinema and society, with particular interest in themes of urban life, memory, and identity. My creative vision is shaped by philosophy and sociology — concepts such as temporal continuity, the experience of the Other, and the sense of place. I also draw inspiration from film aesthetics, from Bazin's realism to the Kuleshov effect, and seek to translate abstract feelings into cinematic language. Recent work includes the screenplay A Relatively Long Summer, which portrays the dilemmas of a young man in a remote town caught between the desire to leave and the pull to stay. In this project I experiment with balancing observational realism and poetic expression, pushing the boundary between documentary and fiction.

Available to hire

I am a filmmaker exploring the intersection of cinema and society, with particular interest in
themes of urban life, memory, and identity. My creative vision is shaped by philosophy and
sociology — concepts such as temporal continuity, the experience of the Other, and the sense
of place. I also draw inspiration from film aesthetics, from Bazin’s realism to the Kuleshov
effect, and seek to translate abstract feelings into cinematic language. Recent work includes
the screenplay A Relatively Long Summer, which portrays the dilemmas of a young man in a
remote town caught between the desire to leave and the pull to stay. In this project I
experiment with balancing observational realism and poetic expression, pushing the boundary
between documentary and fiction.

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Work Experience

Director of Photography / Editor at Wicked Smart Comedy LLC
September 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Filmed and edited short-form comedy sketches and live performances, ensuring professional lighting and camera composition in various on-site environments. Collaborated with writers, actors, and producers to translate comedic timing and visual storytelling into engaging on-screen narratives. Managed post-production workflow, including footage organization, color correction, and final edits using Adobe Premiere and Audition.
Independent Researcher at Independent Researcher (Guangzhou / Dublin / London)
June 1, 2023 - September 1, 2024
Designed and executed multi-site field work, identifying theoretical gaps and translating them into visual inquiry. Managed end-to-end production, including storyboard ing, cinematography, sound design, and postproduction using Adobe Premiere and Audition. Collaborated with local communities and international peers to bring authentic narratives to the screen.
Production Intern at ACMi (Arlington Community Media)
March 1, 2026 - Present
Selected for ACMi TV production support role; preparing for studio and field production workflow across community programming (pre-production, production, post). Coordinating onboarding logistics and production readiness: equipment orientation, studio safety protocols, and workflow documentation. Review program formats and run-of-show templates to support smooth shoots, talent coordination, and timely deliverables.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at Brandeis University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education