Shicong Zhu

Shicong Zhu is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Beijing. Born and raised in Beijing, Shicong came to America to pursue a college degree in California. After working as a fine art photographer for five years and having obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, she attended USC School of Cinematic Arts and received her M.F.A. degree in Film & Television Production.

During her time in the film school, Shicong made a music video and several short films featuring a magical realism style, centering the feminine universal experience and human condition. "My Personal Ghost Story," a film focused on the inner life of a domestic violence survivor, was officially selected by Los Angeles Script and Film Festival and Horror Hotel Film Festival.

"Anchor Baby," following a day in the life of a pregnant illegal immigrant working in a LA nail salon, received the honor of official selection by Beverly Hills International Film Festival, and screened at TCL Chinese Theater. She went back to China and shot her thesis film "Snake Trail" and recently wrapped up post-production work. She has another short film in production at the moment called "The Perfect Human," focused on exploring facial dysmorphia as a psychological condition in young women and how that affects their love life.

She is also an honoree and recipient of the 2020 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Grant. Working with the foundation, she is sponsored to direct her original narrative script centering A.I. and machine learning technology, exploring its ethical implications as well as emotional impact on people.