Huang Yin-Yu, Director & Founder, Moolin Films
As the renowned film director, producer, and actor, Martin Scorsese wisely put it, “Movies touch our hearts and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things.”Undoubtedly, cinema is a powerful art form that effortlessly breaks through boundaries, crafting narratives that resonate with our deepest emotions.As the luminescent glow of the silver screen unfolds stories and emotions, it whisks us away on a captivating journey through diverse worlds, cultures, and perspectives, eliciting laughter, tears, and moments of introspection that stir the depths of our souls. Beyond mere entertainment, cinema has the power to challenge perspectives, provoke thoughts, and even inspire change.In a world that can often be chaotic, and disorienting, art and cinema offer a sanctuary, providing solace and a shared emotional journey. In this evolving landscape of cinema, one luminary who stands out for his distinctive storytelling, and thought-provoking films,is Huang Yin-Yu.
Born and raised in the heart of Taitung, Taiwan, a local city nestled along the east coast, Huang’s early years were shaped by the picturesque landscapes of mountains and oceans.Known for its significant aboriginal population, Taitung became the backdrop of Huang’s carefree childhood, filled with warmth and a close connection to nature. After graduating from elementary school, Huang’s family moved to the bustling big city where he enrolled in an elite, college-oriented high school that opened up a world of cinema for him in various ways. The school library introduced him to French art classics, the geography program showcased films from around the world, and the life-technology program provided hands-on experience in creating short digital films.
His journey took a significant turn during his sophomore year when his first film, created as part of a group project, won an in-school competition. This success solidified his passion for filmmaking and collaborative efforts. Guiding a team to bring a movie to life became Huang’s newfound joy. Pursuing his interest further, Huang chose to study Radio and Television in college. During this time, he dedicated himself to watching movies and writing reviews. Post-graduation, Huang decided to take his filmmaking journey to the next level by heading to Tokyo for graduate school and continuing to study documentary filmmaking. This academic journey naturally evolved into a professional career, driven by a genuine passion for film and the collaborative spirit of working with diverse multinational teams.
The Birth of Moolin Films/Production
Since 2013, Huang and his team have utilized Okinawa as a field for creating compelling documentaries, building up the soil for their creative endeavors. In 2015, with the goal of producing a series of films, Huang established a company in Taiwan, and building on this foundation, he relocated to Okinawa in 2016, establishing his first office.This marked the genesis of Moolin Films/Production, with Okinawa as its beating heart and support flowing in from both Japan and Taiwan. From this creative hub, they naturally expanded their horizons, fostering multinational collaborations. Their initial focus was on forging film and TV co-productions between Taiwan and Japan, recognizing the untapped potential in this cross-cultural synergy. Interestingly, they discovered a latent desire among Asian nations to collaborate with Japan. But there were many practical difficulties.Simultaneously, the budgets for Japanese film and TV were shrinking, and Japanese creators were yearning for cross-border partnerships. In the midst of it all, Moolin Films emerged as a catalyst for bridging these gaps, fulfilling the creative aspirations of filmmakers across borders and establishing itself as a key player in the dynamic landscape of Asian cinema.
Crafting Cinematic Stories that Transcend Borders
Moolin Films’ journey began with a series of heart-touching documentaries on pre-war Taiwanese immigrants in Okinawa, stories that not only stole the spotlight at local and international film festivals but also clinched numerous awards in Taiwan and Japan.The exploration didn’t stop at documentaries; they also created emotionally charged dramas, unearthing forgotten memories that hadn’t graced the big screen before. From this foundation, they expanded their repertoire, releasing films from Okinawa and Taiwan, along with internationally lauded documentaries and Southeast Asian features. “We want to challenge the Japanese art-house cinema with a variety of rare genres. The strongest part of our company is that we have an international perspective, as well as Asian and multinational experience and manpower so that we can offer our clients very different creative products,” opines Huang.
This fusion of creativity and cross-country execution propels Moolin Films to deliver a distinctive video experience, embracing everything from cross-country film/TV coordination to a plethora of visual productions. As Huang puts it, “Moolin Films doesn’t just produce films; it crafts cultural narratives that resonate across borders, epitomizing the rich diversity of Asian cinema.”
Resilience in the Face of Turmoil
When the epidemic brought the film industry to a standstill, Huang found himself at a crossroads, grappling to shield the hard-won partnerships of his company.“I didn’t want to give up on our company’s hard-won partners and colleagues, so I decided to develop a new business – distributing to arthouse theatres in Japan. Of course, arthouse and independent theatres were not going to have a good day, but with the idea that “as long as the theatres are open, we can do distribution, “shares Haung.
Over the span of three years, Huang and his team travelled to every city in Japan, personally connecting with film curators and theatre managers.Their perseverance paid off, resulting in the distribution of eight films. This grassroots effort not only laid the foundation and connections for their distribution department but also allowed their company to be deeply rooted inJapan’srich art-house film culture.Reflecting on this journey, Huang affirms,“I think it’s important for a company in the film and TV industry to have a close relationship with the local film culture, and I’m glad that we were able to build up the connections and relationships with the theatre and distribution industry that we needed to build up step by step amid the epidemic.”
Creating An Artistic Legacy for Future Generations
In the heart of Moolin Films/Production beats a commitment to core values that define the very essence of the company. The name “Moolin,” which means “wood” and “forest” in Mandarin, perfectly captures the essence of their mission to connect society’s present with the profound memories of yesteryearsthrough powerful visual narratives.With each project taking years to complete, Moolin aims not just to create films but to create a lasting impact and an artistic legacy for future generations.
In terms of industry connections, they are not only based in East Asia, but they have also begun to build a network of Pan-Pacific projects based in Okinawa.In addition to his role as the executive director of the “Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival,” Huang eagerly anticipates a future brimming with collaborative endeavors and co-productions across the vast expanse of the Asia-Pacific region.
Insights for Emerging Entrepreneurs: Lights, Camera, Collaboration
Reflecting on the serendipitous start of Moolin Films, Huang imparts valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs in the film industry, particularly those aspiring to leave an indelible mark in Asian cinema. Drawing from personal experience, Huang underscores the significance of teamwork in the world of film and TV production. “I started my business by chance, and I’ve come this far, all thanks to my teammates and coworkers who share the same vision. Film and TV production is very much a teamwork. I think if the company is just a director’s company, it will be very limited in the flexibility of cooperation,” opines Huang.
“I also learn from my colleagues’ opinions and make judgments along the way, which also allows everyone in the team to have the possibility to perform independently,” he further adds.
In a world driven by creativity, Huang’s approach is refreshingly simple: “share” and “synthesize decisions”. It’s not just about making movies for Huang; it’s about nurturing an environment where creativity thrives, decisions are made collectively, and each individual has a chance to shine.
Bringing The Magic of Asian Cinema to a Broader Audience
In 2024, Huang envisions Moolin being part of more than five films, aiming to keep up the pace with at least five productions annually. The goal is simple: to declare themselves as a fully-fledged film production company. Their focus goes beyond just local films, with most projects being international collaborations, rooted in Taiwan and Japan, but reaching out to partners worldwide.
Looking ahead a decade, their vision is to carve out a niche for Moolin as a recognizable film brand on the global stage. They want audiences to easily recognize a unique “Moolin touch” in their productions. “When a person sees a film and thinks, ‘This film looks like a Moolin production/distribution,’ we have successfully established our own brand flavor. It takes time and output to build that image, so we have to have a regular output coming out every year,” asserts Huang. He hopes that in the future when people in the film industry think of Japan or Taiwan, they will think of Moolin first and work with the company to create all kinds of international collaborations that have never been attempted before.They aspire to be a hub for innovative international collaborations, breaking new ground in cinematic ventures.