Hello Roku Long, we are grateful to you for giving us an Exclusive Interview on your project “Immortal Mind.” We are overjoyed after watching your project. Could you please tell us about your journey with this project? Ans: Immortal Mind is my first fashion-sci-fi narrative short film, which I directed and wrote, and it has achieved remarkable success. In 2023, it received several accolades: Official Selection at the Bolton International Film Festival (BAFTA Qualified), Best Sci-fi/Fantasy Short Film at Inside Film Festival, Best Micro-Short at Robinson Film Awards, Best Mini Short at SHORT to the Point, Best Experimental Music Video at Rome Music Video Awards, and Best Creative Concept at Croatia Fashion Film Festival. My journey with Immortal Mind began when I met independent fashion designer Yunyi Zhang in New York. She was completing a new collection and invited me to direct her video campaign. I suggested adding a narrative element, and so Immortal Mind was born. I wrote a story inspired by her designs and envisioned a world set in a future where brain-computer interface (BCI) surgery is common. In this world, people choose between uploading their consciousness to the cloud for immortality or preserving their physical bodies for future resurrection, each choice presenting new opportunities and challenges as they navigate a vastly different world. The production process was incredibly exciting. We had the pleasure of collaborating with two talented models, Mia Faith, and Brenda Mutoni, who expressed the story’s emotions through beautiful and precise body language. My director of photography, Gianna Badiali, used meticulous lighting and cinematography to enhance the sci-fi atmosphere, complementing the fashion elements with a narrative that balanced both elegance and a cold, isolated sci-fi aesthetic. As the director and writer, I’m proud to have created this unique fusion of fashion, sci-fi, and storytelling alongside Yunyi Zhang. With an all-women leadership team, we supported and empowered each other throughout the project, feeling proud of what we were building. I hope our success encourages more women to pursue careers in fashion and film, sharing their unique perspectives and stories.
What do you think about this project? What is the main agenda of this project? Ans: I love Immortal Mind for its concise yet powerful exploration of profound human questions: when our physical form begins to fade, should we still strive to preserve our consciousness by uploading it to the cloud? And if this consciousness endures for a long time, does it remain our own? When mind and body coexist, the will is ours, but what purpose does the will serve without the body? If consciousness awakens in a new body, might it acquire something beyond what was originally intended, challenging the notion of a “Immortal Mind”? Immortal Mind presents these questions for the audience to ponder, echoing the themes we grappled with during production. Additionally, the film showcases Yunyi Zhang’s designs with a series of shots that capture the intricate mohair handwoven garments and 3D-printed accessories. We integrated special effects to highlight the evolving qualities of the designs, creating a striking contrast between the delicate, warm details of the garments and a cold, futuristic sci-fi atmosphere. This contrast subtly raises questions about technological advancements’ opportunities and challenges.
Tell us more about yourself and how you got into this profession. I’m Roku Jingwen Long, a director, writer, and producer currently based in New York. I have a MFA degree in Film from Columbia University. New York is where I refined my voice and explored storytelling that reflects my experiences as an Asian queer woman. My films often focus on the nuanced, sometimes delicate bonds that connect us as people. Through my work, I aim to capture both the beauty and complexity of these relationships, especially those involving underrepresented communities. Currently, I’m the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, where I direct narrative commercial projects while also dedicating my personal time to independent filmmaking and writing my first feature. For me, filmmaking is a journey of connection—not only within the stories I tell but also through the collaborative process itself. Creating films that resonate on an emotional level with audiences drives me, and I’m committed to sharing stories that convey empathy, warmth, and hope.
Could you share with us some glimpses of your upcoming projects in this film industry? Ans: I’ll continue writing my animated feature script, Still, which tells the story of a girl who can see ghosts and souls living with her grandmother in East Village New York. Alongside this, I plan to produce, direct, and support independent short film creators in bringing their stories to life. As the Creative Director at Crazy Maple Studio, I’m also focused on discovering new talent—actors and crew members—and offering them collaborative opportunities to create meaningful stories and impactful work.
What were some of the hardest roles you have taken up in your career, and what were the obstacles on the path of your journey? Ans: In this industry, you encounter countless opinions and perspectives, which can easily drown out your own voice. No film will resonate with everyone, so rather than trying to accommodate every piece of advice, I believe it’s essential to turn inward and consider what story you truly want to tell and what feelings you hope to communicate. Filmmaking is as much a journey of collaboration as it is an internal dialogue. There are moments of doubt where you need to trust your own vision, even if it means navigating conflicting ideas. As a director, I see it as my responsibility to give the team a strong sense of belief and direction. To inspire confidence in others, I first have to be clear and steadfast in my own purpose. This commitment to my vision not only guides the project but also builds shared trust and dedication within the crew. Ultimately, filmmaking becomes a powerful balance between staying true to your own voice and embracing the collaborative process.
What do you think about the current entertainment industry in the world? Ans: The global entertainment industry today is incredibly dynamic and diverse, with more voices emerging from all corners of the world. I think it’s an exciting time, especially for independent creators, as there are more platforms and opportunities than ever to tell unique, personal stories. But with this accessibility also comes a certain pressure—there’s a constant flow of opinions, expectations, and trends that can sometimes make it hard for creators to stay true to their own voices. In an industry where content is increasingly fast-paced and global, it’s easy to feel lost in the noise. I believe it’s more important than ever for filmmakers to hold onto their unique perspectives, to tell stories that resonate with them personally rather than trying to appeal to everyone. There’s real value in diverse, authentic narratives, and I think that’s what audiences around the world are hungry for. So while the entertainment industry is more competitive and multifaceted than ever, it’s also filled with incredible potential for those who remain true to their vision and are willing to challenge the mainstream with honest, impactful stories.
Finally, thank you very much, and what do you want to tell young people about your passion for film direction? Ans: Every individual has a unique story that deserves to be told. When you feel lost or uncertain, take a moment to reconnect with your inner self; your authentic voice and emotions are the most vital elements of your storytelling. Facing uncertainty is natural, but taking action, even without all the answers, can clarify your path and deepen your understanding of your craft. Every experience adds richness to your journey as a creator. Remember that your next film, script, or project is just one step in a long creative journey, so let go of the need for perfection. Instead, focus on the valuable lessons each project brings. Approach each step with gratitude, acknowledging the growth and insights that come with it.
