Spotlight: An Interview with Mingfeng Li ("So Long")

Rising filmmaker Mingfeng Li makes a powerful entrance with So Long, a beautifully crafted black-and-white drama that has already begun capturing attention for its emotional honesty and stunning cinematography.

As co-writer, co-director, and director of photography, Li brings a unique visual clarity to this story of an undocumented immigrant family navigating danger and impossible decisions. His work transforms a student project into a cinematic experience filled with heart, tension, and humanity.

We sat down with Mingfeng to learn how he shaped this remarkable debut and what inspires his growing artistic voice.

Mingfeng Li

What first inspired you to pursue filmmaking?

I was inspired to pursue filmmaking while studying film production at ArtCenter College of Design. Learning how to tell stories through visuals really excited me. Working on commercial shoots for years also helped me understand the craft and made me want to create films of my own.

Your work often centers around themes of migration and displacement. What draws you to those themes?

Before studying film, I worked in the logistics business, which gave me the chance to meet and talk with many undocumented immigrants. Hearing their stories and struggles left a strong impression on me. Their experiences of leaving home, searching for safety, and trying to build a new life stayed with me, and that’s why I’m drawn to exploring themes of migration and displacement in my work.

Can you tell us about the origin of this film’s story? What was the initial spark or image that stayed with you?

The story is inspired by real experiences shared with me by immigrant families I met in my earlier work. Hearing the challenges they faced — the uncertainty, the sacrifices, and the constant pressure of choosing between safety and survival — made a deep impact on me. I was especially moved by the emotional dilemmas they live with every day. Those stories stayed in my mind for years, and they became the spark that pushed me to make this film.

A screenshot from "So Long"

How did you shape the film’s visual and emotional tone during the development process? And later, how did you approach directing the emotional dynamics between the mother and daughter in the story?

We chose a 1:1.66 aspect ratio to make the film feel more realistic and intimate, allowing the audience to focus closely on the characters’ emotions. Using black and white also helped express the difficult and uncertain life that many undocumented immigrants face after arriving in a new world. Visually, we used careful composition to show the emotional and physical barriers between the mother and daughter — sometimes placing them apart in the frame, or using negative space to highlight their distance. During directing, I focused on simple, honest performances. By combining the visuals with their acting, we were able to show the tension, love, and unspoken feelings that shape their relationship.

In what ways has your background in commercial and product advertising influenced your approach to narrative filmmaking?

Working in commercial and product advertising taught me how to tell stories through strong framing and composition. I use that same visual clarity in my narrative films to support the emotions and the story.

Mingfeng Li

Were there specific aesthetic or storytelling techniques from your commercial work that carried into So Long?

Yes. Most of the shoot is done with static shots, but we carefully use camera composition to create a sense of movement and emotional dynamics within the scene. This approach keeps the visuals simple while still conveying the tension, sadness, and connections between the characters.

Were there any films, commercials, or real-life experiences that influenced the tone or style of this project?

The film is primarily influenced by real-life experiences. I’ve heard many stories from immigrant friends about the struggles they faced on their journey to the U.S. — the sacrifices, the fear, and the hope of chasing the American dream. I wanted to keep the film in a neutral tone, providing a perspective that allows the audience to understand the challenges of undocumented immigrants without judgment.

A screenshot from "So Long"

What was the most challenging aspect of making this film? I assume that recreating the jungle environment for the film wasn't easy?

Yes, the jungle scene was one of the most challenging parts of the film. We recreated the entire jungle environment inside a soundstage, decorating it with a mix of real and artificial plants to make it look authentic. We also added haze to create a more realistic atmosphere. Shooting on a stage allowed us to keep the set safe for the cast and crew while giving us full control over the lighting, which was helpful for capturing the right shoots.

How did you work with your cinematography and production design teams to make the setting feel authentic and immersive?

Our production design team was amazing. We worked closely to plan every detail of the jungle and house scenes, using real-life photos and references from the daily lives of undocumented immigrants to make the sets feel authentic. We also included elements of Chinese culture, like a traditional Chinese calendar on the wall, to add depth. On the cinematography side, we used careful camera movement to help convey the emotions and rhythm of the story, making the environment feel alive and immersive.

Dennis McCarthy is a legendary composer with a distinctive musical legacy. How did you get him on board, and how did his involvement shape the emotional atmosphere of So Long?

We were very fortunate to have taken Dennis’s scoring class, which gave us the opportunity to invite him to work on So Long. We discussed each scene with him and shared the different moods we wanted to convey, giving him reference points for the score. His music added a powerful emotional layer, helping to deepen the audience’s connection to the story and the characters. It was a great honor to have his guidance and expertise.

Behind the scenes

What did you learn through the process of making So Long that you’ll carry into your future narrative work?

Making So Long taught me the importance of combining authentic stories with careful visual storytelling. I learned how much small details — from set design to camera movement to subtle performances — can shape the emotional impact of a film. I’ll carry this attention to authenticity and detail into all my future narrative projects.

Mingfeng Li and Hanzhong Zhang on set

You’ve collaborated with Hanzhong Zhang on multiple projects. What makes your creative partnership work well?

We’ve worked together on multiple commercial projects, which has built a strong understanding between us. Hanzhong helps bridge communication and always understands what we want to achieve in the story, making the creative process smooth and effective.

Do you feel that your studies at ArtCenter influenced your artistic voice or approach to filmmaking? In what ways?

Yes, studying at ArtCenter helped me focus on cinematography, using framing and lighting to tell the story visually. For example, in So Long, we used high-contrast lighting at the beginning to create a feeling of sadness and sorrow, while later we used high-key lighting to convey hope and a brighter future. This approach reflects how ArtCenter shaped my understanding of how visuals can support emotion and narrative.

Mingfeng Li and lead actress Yu

What do you hope audiences take away from this film?

I hope audiences gain a deeper understanding and empathy for the experiences of undocumented immigrants. Beyond the struggles and challenges, I want viewers to connect with the human emotions — the love, fear, and hope — that drive their journeys.

What are you working on next, and what themes or ideas are you currently exploring?

Next, I’m exploring projects in different film genres, but I want to maintain a similar emotional core. I believe everyone in society faces their own dilemmas and challenges, and I want to dig into those stories, uncovering the human experiences and emotions that connect us all.

What is your dream job, or dream movie to direct?

My dream is to direct a minimalist sci-fi film — a story that, while set in an imaginative world, stays closely connected to human life and emotions. I want it to explore complex ideas in a way that feels relatable and grounded in real experiences.

Is there anyone you would like to thank, or is there anything you'd like to add?

I would like to sincerely thank all of the cast and crew who participated in the making of this film. Their dedication, talent, and hard work were essential at every stage of the project, from pre-production to the final cut. Each member brought their own creativity, insight, and energy, helping to bring the story and characters to life in a meaningful way. Without their collaboration and commitment, this film would not have been possible. I am deeply grateful for their support and for sharing this journey with me.

Where can our readers follow more of your work?

You can view more of my work on my IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15313896/