Being Present
A documentary isn’t made with a camera first. It’s made with trust.
What makes a story worth documenting, in your view?
Share Your Thoughts
01. A Connector
Bridging Cultures Between East and West
SmallRig： What kinds of stories do you believe are most worth telling?
Ruby Yang ： It really depends on the stage of my life. When I was living in the United States, I felt a strong urge to tell stories about Chinese American history, because those stories were closely tied to who I was at the time. They felt personal and necessary.
SmallRig： You’ve lived in both Hong Kong and the U.S. How do you see your relationship to Eastern and Western cultures?
Ruby Yang ： I was born in Hong Kong, but when I moved to the U.S., I became very aware of what it means to be a minority. In cities like San Francisco, I met many Chinese Americans who felt isolated—people who never learned English and were confined to very small communities.
Through them, I learned about discrimination and about what it means to live without a voice. That experience shaped why I chose documentary filmmaking.
02. A Documentary Filmmaker
Listening to Voices on the Margins
SmallRig： Your film The Blood of Yingzhou District won an Academy Award. What drew you to that story?
Ruby Yang ： I’ve always been drawn to stories about vulnerable communities. When I read about children orphaned by AIDS, I was deeply moved. These children faced double stigma—they were orphans, and their parents had died from AIDS.
I felt this was a story that needed to be told, not only to document tragedy, but to confront discrimination and misunderstanding.
SmallRig： You returned to the same community years later. Why was that important to you?
Ruby Yang ： Ten years later, I made a short film to document how their lives had changed. Many of the children received care and support, and their lives improved.
That’s why I value long-term documentary work—you can witness transformation over time, from tragedy to hope.
Behind the Scenes
Moments between takes, captured as they happen.
What stayed with you from this episode?
Share Your Thoughts
03. Being Present On Site
Trust, Intuition, and Knowing When to Stop
SmallRig： How do you understand the idea of “being present” when filming on site?
Ruby Yang ： When I’m filming, the first thing I do is help people feel comfortable. I ask questions, I listen, and I give them time. Once trust is built, deeper and more personal conversations can happen.
Intuition is also important. You sense when something meaningful might happen, and you stay ready. But knowing when to stop filming is just as important as knowing when to start. I never want people to feel manipulated.
04. Times Change
How Technology Shapes Storytelling
SmallRig： You’ve seen many changes in documentary filmmaking over the years. What stands out to you today?
Ruby Yang ： There have been huge improvements in technical skills, production quality, and storytelling. Recently, I even saw a film created using AI. It was inspiring, even though the technology is still developing.
I believe AI can be used thoughtfully—for example, to reconstruct archival scenes or restore historical footage—but it should always serve the story, not replace it.
SmallRig： With everyone able to record life using phones or AI tools, do you think technology will change documentary filmmaking?
Ruby Yang ： Technology can help people tell better visual stories, but filming yourself doesn’t automatically create a story. You still have to ask: What is this film about? Why should we watch it?
No matter how tools evolve, storytelling and intention remain essential.
05. For the Next Generation
Finding Meaning Beyond the Self
SmallRig： You work closely with young filmmakers. What advice do you give them?
Ruby Yang ： I always tell them not to give up. Documentary filmmaking is difficult, but every challenge is also an opportunity.
Stay curious. Learn to listen. If you can truly listen to others, you’ll become a better documentary filmmaker—and a better storyteller.
SmallRig： Do you think focusing on personal stories risks losing broader meaning?
Ruby Yang ： Not necessarily. Young filmmakers often need to start with themselves—that’s where they feel most comfortable. Over time, as they gain life experience and a deeper understanding of society, their stories naturally expand beyond the personal.
That first step is important.
