Xinhao “Violet” Lu’s journey into the world of film may not have been a direct path, but it is a testament to the power of passion and determination. He stands as a film director whose works resonate deeply with audiences, particularly within the Asian community, addressing themes of identity, culture, and personal freedom.
One of Xinhao’s notable projects is his recent film Deep Into the Forest. Released in June 2024, the film was selected for the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where it received three award nominations in the “Moving the Spotlight” category. Tribeca Film Festival, founded by iconic actor Robert De Niro, is one of the respected film festivals in the world. The film’s international recognition also includes winning the Platinum Remi Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, further solidifying Xinhao’s status as a talent in the global film industry.
Growing up, Xinhao was heavily influenced by his father, a dedicated movie fan who exposed him to the magic of cinema at a young age. His passion for films solidified during high school after watching Tim Burton’s Big Fish, a film that left a lasting impression on him. It was unlike anything he had seen before, and it opened his eyes to the boundless possibilities of storytelling through film.
Deep Into the Forest tells the story of Zijian, an orienteering athlete from a small city in southern China, who faces immense pressure from his coach, family, and provincial leaders as he prepares for a major national championship. Despite suffering from a recurring Achilles tendon injury, Zijian hides his condition to meet high expectations. As the competition approaches, the physical and emotional strain pushes him to a breaking point, leading to a dramatic and unexpected decision.
While the story is set in China, Deep Into the Forest resonates with Asian audiences in various countries. Many young viewers have shared how the film echoes their own experiences, particularly the pressure placed on them by their parents to follow a certain path. Xinhao hopes that the film will inspire young people, especially those living in traditional Asian households, to embrace their individuality and make choices that reflect their true desires rather than succumbing to societal expectations.
Xinhao’s path to completing Deep Into the Forest was not without its challenges. As a director, he had to navigate the complexities of working with a multicultural team, including a Korean cinematographer who brought his own cultural perspective to the film. Effective communication became a crucial element in ensuring the project’s success, and Xinhao’s ability to bridge cultural differences played a significant role in shaping the film’s final outcome. By understanding his team members and viewing the project from their points of view, he created an environment where collaboration thrived, resulting in a powerful, cohesive film.
In 2023, Xinhao directed another critically acclaimed film, Red Man, which won the “Best Experimental” award at the 27th LA Shorts International Film Festival. This ten-minute, single-shot film explores the experiences of an older Chinese immigrant living in the United States.
Beyond feature films, Xinhao has ventured into new storytelling formats, including vertical mini-series, several of which were for Avo Media LLC. One of his recent projects, My Accidental Alpha’s Desire, produced by Avo Media LLC, has gained immense popularity, with millions of views on Facebook and over a hundred thousand favorites on the ShortMax platform. The short drama, a fantasy romance between werewolves, reached a high spot on the platform’s trending list. This achievement marked a significant moment in Xinhao’s career, demonstrating his ability to captivate a large audience with his work.
Despite the success, the project came with its own set of difficulties, particularly the tight timeline for completion. Xinhao’s determination to maintain a high-quality standard, even under immense pressure, speaks to his commitment to his craft. By keeping the entire cast and crew engaged and eliminating downtime, he completed the short drama efficiently without compromising the quality of the performances or the overall production.
Xinhao’s foray into commercial work has also broadened his perspective as a director. In 2024, he directed two commercials for 1800K Media LLC, including one for a best-selling Amazon product. Although commercials differ from films’ objectives—focusing more on client satisfaction and product appeal—Xinhao embraced the challenge. He found that working within the constraints of commercial directing offered a fresh viewpoint on storytelling, as it required him to think about audience engagement in new ways.
Through his diverse body of work, Xinhao “Violet” Lu continues to make a significant impact in the world of film and beyond. Whether through feature films, short dramas, or commercials, his ability to tell compelling stories resonates with audiences on a profound level. His films serve as an inspiration to others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
Published by: Martin De Juan
