Filmmaker, writer, director, and producer: Yumeng Han

With Little Sky, Yumeng Han appears to have mastered the delicate art of storytelling, illustrating the profound intersections of culture, identity, and human emotion through the lens of a Chinese immigrant family. 

As we navigate the journey of Xiao Tian through Han’s creative lens, the raw inspiration behind his work resonates loudly, grounded in personal ties to the LGBT community and an earnest wish to foster greater understanding through his craft. His growth as a filmmaker is palpable, influenced by the intense narrative layering and thematic exploration integral to Little Sky. 

Yet, the path has not been without obstacles, with the nuanced character development process presenting unique hurdles, from revisions to the central story to shifting the portrayal of key relationships. We were lucky enough to get a few moments with the filmmaker and see whats on the horizon. 

Can you share with us the inspiration behind Little Sky and what motivated you to co-produce this film?

I initially got involved in Little Sky because I was deeply impressed by Xiao Tian’s script. Unlike many stories centered around identity politics, this script is truly remarkable. It delves into the background story of Xiao Tian’s arrival in the United States and utilizes the theme of his parents’ divorce to metaphorically represent his own sense of fragmentation.

Little Sky has made a significant impact within the LGBT community. How does it feel to see your work resonate with audiences and become a cultural touchstone?

I am thrilled about this opportunity. When I was working on this script, it was because one of my close cousins, who I grew up with, identifies as LGBT. As someone who was their trusted friend and relative, I didn’t support them at the time due to my lack of understanding about the LGBT community. 

However, as I grew older and gained more knowledge about these communities, I deeply regret not standing by their side back then. Working with Jess on this project and using it as a platform to give voice to the LGBT community is a heartfelt wish of mine.

How would you describe your career as a filmmaker and how it has led to this point? How has your experience with Little Sky influenced your career going forward into the future?

I am also a writer/director myself. Previously, my works focused more on character development and providing the audience with sensory experiences through visuals. However, working on Little Sky has taught me the importance of effectively utilizing themes and the stories of specific communities to support a piece of work.

 I have applied this experience to my new project, Farewell Across the Atlantic, which tells the story of a Chinese immigrant family, where the wife attempts to save her husband trapped in a gambling addiction.

The characters in Little Sky are beautifully portrayed, each with their own unique journeys. What was your role in the character development process, and were there any specific challenges you encountered?

We faced many challenges during the scriptwriting process. For instance, in the initial version, the story focused on Sky’s experiences with his mother. However, Jess and I collaborated to modify the story, making it more about Sky’s personal journey. 

Also, Sky’s father was portrayed as an antagonist in the earlier draft, but through discussions, we decided to shift the emphasis away from the harm he inflicted on Sky during his childhood. Instead, we focused on Sky’s longing for his father and his desire for paternal love. These changes added complexity to Sky’s character, deepening his emotions and his understanding of his own identity.

The film has been praised for its stunning visuals and cinematography. Can you tell us about the creative choices made in capturing the emotions and themes of the story?

First and foremost, we had a strong script that served as an excellent reference during rehearsals with the actors. Actor Wo and the director were good friends prior to this project, which allowed for seamless collaboration. 

Our crew members have been long-term collaborators, with many of them being alumni from the NYU Grad Film community. The success of the entire film owes much to the atmosphere of trust and camaraderie among the entire crew.

Little Sky has been showcased at prestigious film festivals such as the New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia Asian American Film Festivals. How has the film’s reception influenced your future aspirations as a filmmaker?

We are delighted by the recognition received from these film festivals. I hope that from our perspective, we can continue to create more sincere works that shed light on the experiences of Chinese immigrants.

As a co-producer of Little Sky, what message or themes were you hoping to convey to the audience, particularly in relation to love, identity, and self-acceptance?

I think that this film conveys a sense of identity. Sky (小天) yearns to find their father and hopes that his father can recognize the person he has become, different from the child their father knew. 

However, their father’s attitude towards them shifts from fear in the beginning to ultimately running away. From this perspective, it is a tragedy. Sky puts in a great deal of effort but fails to find the validation he desires.

 On the other hand, in the subplot involving Mia, the ending scene where Sky and Mia sing an opera together emphasizes the power of community support and healing. From this aspect, Sky finds their own sense of identity.

LGBT representation in cinema has become increasingly important. In what ways do you believe Little Sky contributes to the ongoing conversation about representation and diversity in the film industry?

As I mentioned before, there are many more LGBT stories that need to be heard by a larger audience. Therefore, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the LGBT community in this way.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who are passionate about telling stories that challenge societal norms and celebrate underrepresented communities?

Many emerging filmmakers nowadays possess great technical skills and talent, which is crucial. 

However, it is also important to prioritize themes and substantive content. Especially in the early stages of developing a film, while expressing your own story, it is essential to consider the perspective of your audience and how your story will resonate with them. Trying to think from the viewpoint of your audience can greatly enhance the impact and relatability of the story you wish to tell.

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