From PSA to LGBTQ Narratives: Keith Tang's Journey as an Asian-American Director
Discover the inspiring story of Keith Tang, a Chinese-born, San Francisco-based filmmaker who has transitioned from creating impactful PSAs and short documentaries to directing compelling LGBTQ stories exploring human relationships' complexities.
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By Keith Tang
Art is a mirror reflecting life, yet it often portrays an image more beautiful than reality. I strive to imbue my films with hope, a reflection of the fantastical world I can control, and a visual language I can offer my audience.
Born in Guangzhou to a doting mother and a father who cherished her, I was an only child who received an overwhelming share of familial love and resources. This love, however unconditional, was laced with their expectations of my future: pursuing higher education, securing a lucrative, stable job, and starting a family — their picture of a blissful life. Yet, their vision didn't align with mine, even though my youthful self was still unsure of my aspirations and identity.
Inspired by the character Andy from "The Devil Wears Prada,” I chose to study journalism in college, naively hoping to follow her footsteps into the world of fashion publishing. Reflecting on this now, I can't help but smile at my youthful innocence. However, isn't this an instance of a movie influencing life-changing decisions? As I matured, I recognized the distinction between reality and the world portrayed in movies. Despite this, I've always been determined to excel at my chosen path, yet I found that the harder I strived, the further I drifted from my anticipated outcome.
Leading the social media team of a college club didn't turn me into a magazine editor, as I had dreamt, but it opened an opportunity for me to study in Taiwan. During this time, I shot my first commercial for a chain restaurant and participated in a competition. Inspired by "The Devil Wears Prada," I crafted a story about an employee who consistently satisfied a demanding boss and earned a promotion. The commercial, which ranked in the top eight out of over 400 entries, allowed me to realize my talent for telling stories through visual language. This gave me the confidence to embark on a journey to study film production in the United States.
Growing up in the era of social media and pop culture, I was always drawn to MTV. One performance that struck me was Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi". It was more than a performance; it was a narrative. I was inspired to use this fragmented, sparkling visual language to tell my stories. In a PSA I created for the San Francisco Fire Department, I used the tragic story of a young man addicted to TikTok live streaming while driving as a cautionary tale for the audience. This was a commentary on the issues brought about by the rise of mobile short videos.
There's a Chinese parable called "Injury Zhongyong," which tells the story of a genius who stopped studying and ended up being ordinary. It suggests that even those with innate talent must persist in learning and honing their skills. This lesson is especially poignant in our era of information overload, where maintaining one's unique identity while continually improving oneself is a significant challenge.
During my studies in America, I tasted a newfound freedom. I felt like a fish returning to the turbulent stream from the calm of a bathtub, faced with uncharted territory and unforeseen adventures. I found myself in a toxic relationship and was subjected to violence, a misery shared by my newly adopted husky. This painful experience led me to create a documentary for the San Francisco Animal Care and Control, showcasing how abandoned pets can receive better assistance.
Growth often accompanies pain, as it requires reopening old wounds to allow them to heal properly. After suffering at the hands of my partner, I didn't retreat back to China; instead, I chose to persevere and move forward. I find solace in the lyrics of Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai's song "Womxnly": "The best revenge is beauty, the prettiest blossom is to fight back." And thus, I am determined to blossom, persistently and bravely journeying on the path to self-discovery and self-realization.
My films are a testament to my experiences and growth, a reflection of my struggles and triumphs. I aim to use my voice and visual language to tell stories that matter, those that highlight societal issues, human resilience, and hope. As an artist and a storyteller, I am committed to improving my craft and creating work that will touch hearts and provoke thought.
Through my art, I hope to inspire others, just as I was inspired by the films I saw in my youth. I want to spark change, encourage understanding, and foster a sense of empathy in my audience. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a more compassionate, empathetic world where beauty and hope prevail and everyone can freely and courageously pursue their own paths.
About Me
Film Director
Filmmaker Kaijian Deng (“Keith Tang”) hails from Guangzhou, China. With a keen eye for capturing popular trends, Keith earned a degree in journalism in China before venturing across the globe to study film production at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. During his time there, he collaborated with community organizations such as the San Francisco Fire Department and San Francisco Animal Care & Control to produce numerous documentaries and public service announcements (PSAs).
Drawn to experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and informed by his own life, Keith produced several queer-themed films. His most recent directorial work, the short film "This Is Goodbye," delves into the importance of setting boundaries within intimate relationships. The film garnered attention and praise at numerous international film festivals.
For his next project, Keith aspires to craft a cinematic tale of a closeted Chinese student who falls in love with a hustler, while navigating the complexities of staying in America against his conservative parents' wishes. He hopes to tell a story that demonstrates some of the tensions and difficulties young people experience when caught between conflicting cultures as they struggle to be their authentic selves.
Embracing life wholeheartedly, Keith enjoys extending his visual storytelling talents to YouTube, touching audiences with his optimism and heart. Although he was raised in a sheltered environment, Keith doesn't shy away from exposing and confronting society's complexities, even when they have caused him pain. As the Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore wrote, "The world has kissed my soul with its pain, asking for its return in songs.” Keith continues to sing his experiences through the medium of film.