Peggy Tserwen Tseng: Bridging Cultures Through Compelling Narratives and Award-Winning Films

By Daisy Franklin for Film Daily

Peggy Tserwen Tseng is a force in the film industry, carving a space for herself as an award-winning Taiwanese content producer based in New York City. Her journey is one marked by cultural exploration, artistic innovation, and significant accomplishments in both commercial and artistic projects. With her debut feature film Miss Mermaid currently in post-production, Peggy reflects on her career, her deep connection to storytelling, and the experiences that have shaped her voice as a filmmaker.

The Journey of Jade: Exploring Cultural Tensions and Identity

Peggy’s short film Jade has made waves in the film festival circuit, being selected by over 15 festivals. For her, the project was deeply personal, a way to channel her own experiences growing up in a traditional Taiwanese family.

“The journey of creating Jade was a deeply personal one for me,” she shares. “I believe that the key to writing and telling a compelling story is to stay close to your heart.” Peggy emphasizes that Jade resonates with many viewers from Asian families who face similar cultural conflicts and desires for acceptance.

Through community support, including collaborations with Brooklyn Artist Station (BAS) and Imperial Taiwanese Gourmet (北港臺菜) in Flushing, Peggy was able to bring her story to life. “Knowing that the community believed in this project gave me the encouragement and resources needed to tell this story,” she explains.

Hidden stories await you

Watch the Jade teaser here and learn more about the film on FilmFreeway.

Navigating the Commercial World: From Nonprofit Art Institutions to Government Projects

Peggy has worked across a range of industries, including nonprofit institutions like Print Center New York and government-backed technology fairs in Taiwan. For her, every project is an opportunity to enhance the visibility of her clients’ missions through compelling visual narratives.

“At Print Center New York, for example, I had the chance to produce event videos that showcased their dedication to the craft of printmaking and highlighted collaborations with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds,” Peggy recounts. The experience was both rewarding and a testament to her ability to adapt her production skills to different client needs.

Explore more about Peggy’s commercial work on her personal website.

ReelShort and the Rise of Vertical Video

Peggy’s role as a producer at ReelShort, a vertical video production company, places her at the forefront of the evolving content landscape. She explains that working with tight deadlines requires quick, strategic decision-making, which enhances her creativity. “Vertical video has exploded thanks to platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts,” she notes. Peggy thrives in this fast-paced environment, where thinking quickly and creatively is key to producing engaging, market-aligned content. Her work at ReelShort helps her stay on top of industry trends and innovation.

Winning the SUNY PACC Prize and the Importance of Storytelling

Peggy’s win at the SUNY PACC Prize for Performing Arts was a defining moment in her career. Inspired by the Dogme 95 filmmaking movement, Peggy created a short film series grounded in traditional storytelling values. The experience allowed her to refocus on the core elements of storytelling, a lesson she carries into every project.

“Winning the SUNY PACC Prize was an important milestone for me,” Peggy reflects. The project grounded her as a filmmaker and reaffirmed her commitment to impactful content creation.

Balancing Art and Commerce: A Harmonious Approach

Peggy has found balance between her artistic vision and the commercial demands of her career. From working on Taiwan’s Future Tech Pavilion (FUTEX) to her own personal films, Peggy seamlessly bridges both worlds.

“When working on commercial projects, it’s essential to identify the client’s core needs,” she explains. By focusing on the impact and story behind each project, she creates content that resonates with a wider audience.

For Peggy, the process of storytelling remains consistent, whether for clients or her personal films—Miss Mermaid is a testament to her ability to create stories that reflect both personal and cultural narratives.

The Future of AI and Filmmaking: Insights from Humanoid

Peggy’s short film Humanoid, which won second place at the National Taiwan University Short Film Competition, reflects her fascination with AI technology. The film explores the growing influence of AI on human identity and purpose, themes that are increasingly relevant in today’s world.

“As a content producer, it’s essential to stay attuned to current trends and understand what topics capture audience interest,” Peggy shares. Humanoid allowed her to explore these themes early in her career, helping her grow as a filmmaker and content creator.

Looking Forward

Peggy’s work continues to captivate audiences, with Miss Mermaid poised to be her next major release. As she navigates the complexities of the American dream, gender issues, and cultural identity, Peggy remains committed to creating content that challenges, inspires, and connects with audiences across the globe.

Learn more about Peggy’s work and upcoming projects on her Kickstarter and Instagram.