By: Lyssanoel Frater
Film producer Yuxing Lei doesn’t consider herself overly romantic but acknowledges that two of her more recent productions thoughtfully explore love in the modern world and how different cultures approach this concept. Though quite different tonally, To Kill the Chicken and Snow Whisper share a thematic thread—both portray young people navigating the pressures imposed by other generations and evolving societies. While such tensions have long existed, these films bring attention to contemporary interpretations and dynamics that distinguish present-day scenarios from those of the past. Deeply engaged with storytelling, Yuxing contributed meaningful creative insight and a personal familiarity that helped shape these films with distinctive cultural perspectives. International productions can be considerably more complex than domestic ones, and having a producer as dedicated and well-versed as Ms. Lei contributed to the cast and crew’s ability to execute with high quality and cohesion. Positioned at the intersection of Hollywood and the Chinese film industry, Yuxing Lei’s work suggests promising developments for audiences and filmmakers alike.
As the world becomes more interconnected, cultural boundaries are evolving. Increased global exchange has brought both unity and the blending of once-distinct traditions. These two films reflect on that evolution in unique but complementary ways. To Kill the Chicken stars Yanan Zhu (as Xianyi Li) and Xue Qing (as Yurou Zhou) and follows a young Chinese man returning to his family home in Yunnan, China, during the Qingming Festival. Once there, familial expectations around marriage become central to his visit. In Snow Whisper, Hedy prepares to return to China from America, facing the emotional weight of leaving Eve—a person who has become profoundly important in her life. Ashley Abrams (as Eve), Stacy Pan Chu (as Hedy), and Kathryn Kelley (credited for roles in Homicide: Life on the Street and The Corner, both Primetime Emmy Award–winning series) deliver emotionally resonant performances.
In artistic terms, a producer may be seen as a filmmaker; in practice, they often serve as critical problem solvers. While not a romantic notion, this role is highly valued by peers in the industry. Yuxing describes her work as striving to uphold cultural authenticity and emotional clarity across all aspects of the film. She reflects this in To Kill the Chicken’s climactic chicken slaughter scene, particularly through its use of sound. Yuxing notes, “One of my key contributions to this scene emerged during post-production, especially around the music and sound design choices. The director and I worked to shape an emotional arc that felt true to both the characters and the film’s cultural environment. We explored traditional Chinese instruments to help enhance the scene’s authenticity and underscore the pressure faced by the protagonist. I coordinated discussions between the director and composers to ensure we reached a tone that was both specific and emotionally grounded. We aimed for the soundscape to mirror the protagonist’s inner turmoil, which was a priority for us creatively.” This deliberate process underscores how the sound design captures the character’s silent struggles within a conservative household.
In contrast, Snow Whisper’s emotional highlight takes place in a quiet, snowy landscape during a moment of conflict between Hedy and Eve. The tranquil setting stands in stark contrast to their
romantic uncertainty, communicating life’s inherent contradictions. The filming location—a protected area in Southern California—posed logistical challenges for the team. Yuxing explains, “We conducted a wide location search and ultimately found this to be the ideal environment for the scene’s emotional tone. Securing permits was a detailed and sometimes demanding process, but it proved worthwhile in the final result. As a producer, I took measures to prepare the site thoroughly—ensuring not only safety but also access to amenities like power and restrooms. This preparation enabled the cast to focus fully on their performances, which added emotional depth to the final cut.”
Whether filming in Yunnan’s countryside or the snow-covered terrain of California, Yuxing Lei has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping filmmakers realize their artistic visions. She describes the collaborative spirit of production by saying, “This kind of teamwork brings together people who share common passions and ambitions, and that shared energy is one of the most gratifying parts of filmmaking.” To Kill the Chicken was reportedly selected for the 2024 First Fantastic Film Festival in Beijing and the 18th Annual QFest St. Louis, where it was screened in May at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre. Snow Whisper had its debut in March at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose. It was also listed as part of the 2025 Oakville Film Festival lineup, where it was presented to audiences on June 18 in Canada.
