Sure! Hello — I’m Roku Jingwen Long, a director and writer based in New York. I am deeply influenced by both the cultural richness of New York and my upbringing in Beijing. I first found myself drawn to filmmaking through a lifelong curiosity about human connection and diverse perspectives. Growing up in Beijing in a multicultural neighborhood surrounded by embassies from all over the world, I was fascinated by different stories and the lives behind them. That curiosity deepened when I moved to New York, a city that feels like an extension of my early experiences with its vibrant mix of cultures.

My films delve into the subtle and intricate connections that weave us together as individuals. I aim to portray the beauty and complexity inherent in these relationships, illuminating the emotional landscapes that define our interactions. Particularly, I focus on the stories of marginalized communities, showcasing their unique experiences and challenges. By highlighting these often- overlooked narratives, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and encourage empathy across diverse backgrounds. Through my lens, I strive to celebrate the resilience and richness of all relationships, even in their most delicate forms.

Currently, I'm the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, where I direct narrative commercial projects while also dedicating my personal time to independent filmmaking and writing my first feature. For me, filmmaking is a journey of connection—not only within the stories I tell but also through the collaborative process itself. Creating films that resonate on an emotional level with audiences drives me, and I’m committed to sharing stories that convey empathy, warmth, and hope.

I’ve always believed in the universality of human emotions and the shared nature of our experiences —feelings and life journeys that connect us beyond nationality, race, age, or gender. My aim is to capture these commonalities, conveying positive energy that brings people closer together. Growing up and living in different cities and connecting with people from diverse cultures has shown me the beauty of human connections. My deep empathy and understanding inspire me to share this beauty through my work. That’s why I focus on international and cross-cultural film and

commercial productions, as I believe storytelling transcends borders. My goal is to be a bridge between cultures and communities, telling stories that celebrate the fusion of cultures and the connections between people.

For me, Immortal Mind is a unique fusion of fashion, sci-fi, and narrative storytelling. While it may look like a blend of a dance video, commercial, and music video, it was designed as a fashion-sci-fi short film that explores deep, philosophical questions about identity and consciousness. Inspired by independent designer Yunyi Zhang’s collection, the project imagines a futuristic world where individuals choose between uploading their consciousness to the cloud for immortality or preserving their physical form for future resurrection. This scenario raises complex questions: when

the physical body fades, should we preserve our consciousness? And if consciousness endures independently, does it still remain our own?

The project involved an all-women team, with models Mia Faith and Brenda Mutoni bringing the story’s emotions to life through precise body language, and Gianna Badiali, our director of photography, creating a sci-fi atmosphere that balanced elegance with a stark aesthetic. Immortal Mind also highlights Yunyi Zhang's intricate designs through shots that capture the mohair garments and 3D-printed accessories, contrasting warm, handcrafted details with a cold, futuristic aesthetic. This contrast invites viewers to reflect on the opportunities and challenges that technology introduces, adding layers of thought to the project. Ultimately, Immortal Mind is an experimental piece that challenges conventional genres, exploring fashion, storytelling, and human questions through a visually unique lens.

I think AI has the potential to bring about incredible advancements that can benefit humanity, offering solutions in healthcare, accessibility, and even creative industries. It opens up possibilities that could make our lives richer, easier, and more connected. However, like in Immortal Mind, where individuals must decide between preserving their physical bodies or uploading their consciousness to the cloud, AI forces us to confront difficult question about identity, ethics, and control. If not approached with responsibility and caution, AI could potentially erode some of the qualities that make us uniquely human—such as empathy, intuition, and genuine connection. So, while I see the potential for a bright future with AI, I also think it’s essential to remain aware of its limits and risks, ensuring that it complements, rather than replaces, the human experience.

Immortal Mind is my first venture into a fashion-sci-fi narrative film, which I both directed and wrote, and it has achieved remarkable success in the festival circuit. In 2023, it won multiple awards, including Best Sci-fi/Fantasy Short Film at the Inside Film Festival, Best Micro-Short at the Robinson Film Awards, Best Mini Short at SHORT to the Point, Best Experimental Music Video at the Rome Music Video Awards, and Best Creative Concept at the Croatia Fashion Film Festival. It was also an Official Selection at prestigious festivals, including the 2023 Bolton International Film Festival (BAFTA Qualified), Seattle International Fashion Film Festival, Belgrade International Film Festival, Fashion Film Festival Istanbul, Croatia Fashion Film Festival, and the Sci-Fi Florida Film Festival. Recently, Immortal Mind also received a nomination for Best Director in the Super Shorts category at the 2024 NYC Independent Film Festival. Engaging with audiences at these screenings has been incredibly fulfilling.

After screenings, viewers often approach me to share how much they love the film, which truly motivates me to continue creating. Film is an art of visual and emotional expression, and Immortal Mind succeeds in delivering both. With its fast-paced, captivating visuals, the film not only engages viewers but also offers story elements and emotional depth that invite reflection. I’m thrilled that Immortal Mind provides audiences with a satisfying experience, and I hope to have more opportunities in the future to screen it and connect with even more viewers.

I’m currently dedicating myself to writing my animated feature script, Still, a deeply personal project that explores themes of family, memory, and the unseen. The story follows a young girl with the ability to see ghosts and souls, living with her grandmother in the vibrant, multicultural neighborhood of New York’s East Village. This unique setting allows me to weave together elements of the supernatural with a heartfelt portrayal of family bonds, offering an intimate look at the ways we connect with loved ones, both past and present. In addition to my work on Still, I’m passionate about supporting other filmmakers, especially independent creators, in bringing their stories to life. I plan to produce and direct a range of independent short films, providing emerging storytellers with the resources and guidance they need to realize their visions. As the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, I’m also focused on discovering fresh talent—both actors and crew members—who bring unique perspectives and creative energy to our projects.

I aim to create collaborative spaces where we can develop meaningful stories that resonate with audiences and produce impactful work that leaves a lasting impression.