Posted on by Nathalie Tay
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates in the marketing and advertising scene
Conversations behind the camera with Xin Ruu next week
11 Mar
Some storytellers don’t need to be loud—they let their work speak for them. Xin Ruu, a rising filmmaker at Graph Studio, is one such artist. With a deep passion for visual storytelling and emotional depth, she crafts films that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.
In 2024, she won the Sick Six: Young Director’s Challenge sponsored by Maxis, bringing her short film “Papayah” to life under the mentorship of Graph Studio. This led to her film’s entry into prestigious competitions like the AdFest New Director Lotus and Cannes Young Director Awards…..
How do you craft scenes that feel intimate yet universally relatable?
I emphasize small, intimate interactions between characters—like a simple gesture, a shared laugh, or even a moment of silence. These moments can create a strong emotional resonance, drawing viewers into the characters’ experiences.
Also, I love to leave space for interpretation in my film. I often craft endings that are open to interpretation, inviting viewers to reflect on the film’s themes and characters after it’s over. This can foster a deeper emotional connection as audiences ponder what the story means to them personally.
‘Papayah’ transforms everyday moments into something deeply cinematic….
It is about the relationship between a Malay caregiver and a Chinese girl. Specific cultural practices, traditions, and nuances from both Chinese and Malay backgrounds adds depth to the story. For example, during the family dinner scene, the Chinese girl purposely chooses to eat with chopsticks, while her mother uses a fork and spoon.
In contrast, the Malay caregiver demonstrates his cultural roots by eating with his hands. This attention to detail highlights the dynamics and relationships among the three characters during that moment of the story, making these seemingly simple moments feel profoundly significant.
How do you decidewhen to let a moment breathe and when to cut away?
If a scene holds unspoken tension, I let it linger just long enough for the audience to absorb it—like holding a breath. But if the moment has served its purpose, I cut away, leaving the emotion hanging, so it stays alive in the viewer’s mind.
Great storytelling is about what’s left unsaid as much as what’s shown….
The application of “less is more” is a useful tool in my storytelling arsenal to create the intended tension and subtext. For instance, once I have determined that “less is more” applies in a particular scene, rather than overwhelming viewers with extensive visual information, I focus on the essential elements within the frame. A single, poignant image—a hand clenching, a tear falling—can be far more impactful than a chaotic scene filled with multiple actions.
In a world where content is often fast and fleeting, how do you craft momentsthat linger in the minds of the audience?
This requires a focus on rawness and authenticity. Honest and raw dialogues mirror how people express themselves in vulnerable moments. This means allowing characters to express fear, hope, and uncertainty in ways that reflect their humanity.
For example, a character might say, “I’m scared of who I’m becoming,” which resonates universally, no matter the context, as it taps into the raw struggle of self-identity. This reflection can turn a fleeting moment into a lasting impression.
What’s are the elements that define your storytelling style?
I believe my signature touch revolves around rawness, plot twists, and open-ended narratives. I want every frame to pulse with authenticity, celebrating the unscripted moments that mirror real life. This raw aesthetic isn’t just about visuals; it seeps into the dialogue, the performances, and the very essence of the story, reflecting the messiness and beauty of human experience.
These twists add layers to the narrative, compelling viewers to engage more deeply with the characters and themes, ultimately leading to surprising revelations that challenge their perspectives. I also embrace open-ended conclusions, leaving space for interpretation and discussion.
Listen to Xin Ruu as she takes the stage on March 20 in KL.
