NYWIFT Blog

By Sofiya Saykovska

Let’s welcome new NYWIFT Member Yixin Cen, an NYC-based Associate Producer and Producer specializing in narrative, documentary, and international co-productions.

Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, she has excelled in projects like leading the award-winning film A Father’s Son, which premiered at the Asian American International Film Festival.

Her journey from China to New York City has shaped a career dedicated to authentic storytelling and cultural representation. Yixin is a passionate advocate for diversity in film, actively involved with NYWIFT to connect with and support fellow women filmmakers. Currently, she is producing documentaries exploring the legacies of Ping Chong and Basement Workshop, underscoring her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. 

NYWIFT Member Yixin Cen (Photo Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

Welcome to NYWIFT! Can you introduce yourself briefly to our community?

I am an NYC-based AP and producer specializing in narrative, documentary, and international co-productions. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, I have led teams on projects like the award-winning A Father’s Son, which premiered at the Asian American International Film Festival. As an active member of the NYC Asian American film community, I advocate for diversity and representation in all my work.

Yixin Cen at a Q&A (Photo Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I connected with NYWIFT through a NYWIFT x Brown Girl Doc Mafia event, where I had a great conversation with fellow women filmmakers. I felt very supported and joined NYWIFT to connect with other women in the film industry, share knowledge, and support each other’s work. It’s a fantastic platform for networking and professional growth.

Yixin at a film festival. (Photo by Lia Chang, Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

Can you share with us what sparked your interest in filmmaking?

My journey into filmmaking began in the humble confines of a small town in China, where the vibrant world of Hong Kong cinema first opened my eyes to the boundless possibilities of storytelling. My film career began during my studies in New York City. I started as a production assistant and gradually worked my way up to become a location manager, assistant director, and then a line producer.

Since I didn’t attend film school, I closely observed and learned from filmmakers step by step as a PA. It was a great learning process, not only for gaining filmmaking knowledge but also for connecting with interesting people on set.

You excel in both producing and editing. How do you approach each type of project differently, and what unique challenges do they present?

Producing involves a strong emphasis on logistics, planning, and team coordination, whereas editing focuses on storytelling and pacing. Each role presents its own challenges, but together, they complement each other and enable me to see a project through from start to finish.

Yixin Cen on set (Photo Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

You’ve worked on a variety of projects, from commercials to documentaries to social media content. Can you share a project that was particularly meaningful to you, whether it was life-changing or deeply moving?

One particularly meaningful project I worked on was A Father’s Son, a short film that vividly brings to life the vibrant yet complex world of New York City’s Chinatown in the early 1990s. Set during an era where bustling streets were a melting pot of secrets and cultural clashes, the film, adapted from Chinatown local writer Henry Chang’s acclaimed book series, intertwines gripping crime drama with a deep exploration of identity, justice, and community dynamics.

Directed by Patrick Chen and featuring top Asian American talents such as Ronny Chieng, Tai Ma, Perry Yung, and Kathleen Kwan, I served as both producer and assistant director. We filmed in Manhattan’s Chinatown, and the project was crowdfunded by the Chinatown community, garnering considerable support and illustrating our grassroots origins.

Poster for A Father’s Son. (Photo Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

I’ve been proud to play a role in bringing together and highlighting underrepresented talent within the Asian American filmmaking community in New York. This includes accomplished professionals like production designer Wing Lee, costume designer Vera Chow, and community members such as Chinese-American activist Corky Lee in cameo roles.

We made a conscious effort to hire a diverse crew, with 95% of our team members being people of color. This commitment to diversity reflects my belief in creating inclusive spaces in filmmaking, ensuring that underrepresented voices and talents are given the opportunity to shine.

As a producer and director, how do you ensure that your projects authentically represent diverse communities and avoid stereotypes and clichés?

My immigrant background resonates strongly with the stories I tell, enabling me to act as a cultural liaison and ensure authenticity. This personal connection goes beyond professional qualifications and drives me to tell stories with sensitivity. I prioritize working with diverse teams and conducting thorough research. Listening to the communities we represent and incorporating their perspectives is crucial in the storytelling process.

Yixin on set (Photo Courtesy of Yixin Cen)

Lastly, where can readers find more of your work, and what projects are you working on next?

You can explore more of my work at yixincen.com. Currently, I’m producing a feature-length documentary about Ping Chong, delving into the life and contributions of this pioneering American theater director. Additionally, I’m working on my first feature documentary about Basement Workshop, the inaugural Asian American art and activism group in NYC’s Chinatown.

Check out Yixin’s work at: yixincen.com and connect with Yixin on Instagram at @yixincen.