Diana Chao, a Taiwanese filmmaker with a distinguished academic record, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature & Linguistics from National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, which she successfully completed in 2007. Following her undergraduate studies, Chao furthered her education by enrolling in a Master of Fine Arts degree program in Film Production at the esteemed University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, USA. Within this renowned institution, she concentrated on honing her skills in writing and directing, ultimately culminating in the attainment of her MFA degree in 2013, after a period of over six years of academic dedication.
Before embarking on her professional journey, Chao acquired a wealth of experience within the film industry, a valuable asset that would later prove instrumental in her success.
In the year 2012, she took the reins as director of a feature film, titled Finding Me, an ambitious project designed to foster cooperation between the United States and China. The production, which was shot on location in the vibrant city of New York, served as a testament to Chao's creative vision and her ability to bring diverse ideas together.
Fast forward to the following year, 2013, Chao joined the esteemed team at Dreamworks in Los Angeles, where she worked as an interpreter on the highly anticipated Kung Fu Panda III project. This experience further solidified her skills in the industry and provided her with a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing a film to life.
Diana Chao is a passionate advocate for independent filmmaking, consistently demonstrating her dedication to the craft by actively participating in numerous film festivals throughout her career.
She has also lent her expertise to several prestigious film festivals, serving as a programmer for the Vidlings & Tapeheads Film Festival in both 2017 and 2018.
In this capacity, she played a vital role in curating a diverse range of films, carefully selecting each entry to ensure a captivating and engaging experience for festival attendees.
Her involvement with the Vidlings & Tapeheads Film Festival not only showcased her impressive knowledge of the industry but also highlighted her commitment to promoting innovative and groundbreaking filmmaking.
Through her tireless efforts, Diana Chao has established herself as a respected figure in the world of independent filmmaking, and her contributions to the Vidlings & Tapeheads Film Festival serve as a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication to the art form.
As a pioneering independent filmmaker, Chao has successfully produced two captivating short films, The Restoration, which debuted in 2015, and Match, which premiered in 2016.
Diana Chao, a talented individual, is currently working on a captivating short film project titled Big Little Man. This ambitious endeavor has gained significant recognition, as it has been generously sponsored by the Taiwanese government's Ministry of Culture. The project, which was meticulously shot in April 2018, is now in the final stages of post-production, eagerly awaiting its grand reveal.
