Young Change Makers Promoting Climate Action: How Filmmaker Yiwen Cao Is Helping To Protect Our Planet
…Expand your horizon. If a person knows too little about the world. Either he is easy to think that “the world is just what happened around you” and become arrogant. Or he is easy to worship authority, obedient to others and lose himself. Both above perspectives are undesirable. In ancient China, people encouraged “Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles”. Now due to high technology, you can see the scenery happened thousands of miles away at a glance. You already save lots of time. Therefore, we must not be frogs at the bottom of the well, but keep an open mind, learn more, and exercise independent thinking ability. Instead of blindly following others and wasting your life…
We are standing at a critical juncture in our fight against climate change, and it is heartening to see young leaders rising to this enormous challenge. Across the globe, they are initiating change, voicing their concerns, and catalyzing action toward sustainable solutions for our planet. These young change-makers are not just the future; they are the driving force of the present. As part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing YIWEN CAO.
Yiwen Cao is a young female filmmaker from China Hong Kong, who wants to heal people and give them mental power. She thinks every single life is fairly precious. And we can learn a lot from nature and universe. Nowadays, people are not aware that we are threatened by many crisis, and they all caused by selfishness. Do not do others what you would not have them do to you. All in all, we should do everything for human’s common profits.
Yiwen became the cover person of French magazine Filmmaker Life twice, being praised as “A Trailblazing Filmmaker Redefining Cinema with Purpose”. And she got some awards: Venice Film Festival selected (Silver Lion-Short Film nominee and Green Drop Award special mention), Best Animation award of Festival de Cannes’ Animation Day, Carmarthen Bay Film Festival (BAFTA Qualifying), Montreal International Animation Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying), Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival(Canadian Screen Award Qualifying), etc.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in a complicated environment. When people meet for the first time, they like to ask, “Where are you from?” It seems to be an easy question, but I feel dizzy. It’s better when I’m abroad. Because I can answer that I’m Chinese directly. But if others ask about the specific province or city, especially when people meet in China, I hesitate. To be honest, I don’t know where I’m from, and I can’t even tell that I’m northern or southern.
My hometown is Sichuan. But I took a train to Beijing on the day I turned one year old. Although I went back to hometown several times, Beijing obviously had a greater impact on my childhood. Later, my family moved to Hainan. Then I have lived in Sichuan, Hong Kong and Shanghai after growing up. The feeling of settling down is completely different from tourism. And the workplace’s atmosphere is also completely different from campus’ life. Different cities have brought me to experience different customs and folkways, also showing the ever-changing evil and the consistent kind. Life has beaten me a lot, but I have become more resilient. Whether you were meat or wheat, as long as you hold on, you can become a fragrant glutinous rice roll or a smooth beef ball. Life is nothing more than a change from quantitative to qualitative.
In short, these special experiences have become part of my personality and living habits. So, I have both northern and southern Chinese characteristics and habits. This helps me to look at the differences between different places equally and respect the customs and habits of each region. Not to look down on others with preconceived ideas when encountering unfamiliar situations.
Is there a particular book or organization that made a significant impact on you growing up? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
I love reading from childhood, especially prefer extracurricular books. When I was in the third grade of elementary school, my uncle took me out for a walk and visited a bookstore occasionally. I saw a set of books there, like an encyclopedia, called “The Unknown World”. It consists ten books, including ten different subjects such as astronomy, zoology, oceanography, physics, history, and even human anatomy. Although I couldn’t recognize all the words in the book at that time, and the book was very expensive, it seemed to cost around two hundred yuan at that time (around 22 years ago), and my uncle was not rich. But he bought me the whole set of books without any doubt. From then, I vaguely knew that “quarks” are the smallest particles known so far, sea cucumbers give their organs to the enemy in order to save their lives, there is dark matter in the universe, and there are meridians in the human body… Although these knowledge sounds strange to elementary school students and is not helpful for regular exams, the elders in my family are generous in education.
I also remember that once I went back to my hometown, and my aunt took me for a walk. I was attracted by the fancy books about dinosaurs and architecture in the bookstore’s window. I stayed there for a little while but didn’t say anything. Because the colorful genuine books were very expensive. But my aunt, who had just started working, had seldom money. She noticed my expression and bought books for me without saying a word… Later, when I was in the sixth grade, the elementary school was to be demolished to build an office building. And I became one of the last graduates of the elementary school.
In order to deal with the books in the library, the school sold them at a very low price of one yuan for three pounds. Then the teacher felt that I liked books very much. So, she pulled me to the office quietly and asked me to take away all the remaining books for free. In this way, I read a lot of extracurricular books, including Eastern and Western customs, myths and uncommon fairy tales, secrets of mummies and dinosaurs, and official and unofficial history, etc. Although none of them were related to exam-oriented education, these extracurricular books encouraged me to look at the world from more different perspectives.
Later, many of the stories I read were made into movies, such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starring Johnny Depp. The movie basically restores the original book. But the dwarfs in film are too different from my imagination. Anyway, responding to your question, it is not so much that a particular book or organization that made a significant impact on my growing up, but the good family tradition of encouraging children to read has helped me a lot.
How do you define “Making A Difference”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Many modern people want to “Making a difference”. Especially under pressure of showing off short videos, people are stimulated to earn quick and big money, and catch great success. But I feel “Making a difference” is not a whole sentence. In fact, there is an old saying in old China, around more than 2400 years ago, called “Do what is appropriate and discard what is inappropriate”, which comes from the “Analects”. It is similar to the line in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “What a man can do and what a man can’t do.” I think that both talents and skills are just tools for making a living. Regardless of whether you can make a difference, you must have a bottom line as a person under the premise.
A rich man with a bottom line is lovely. He will not be extravagant and use money to do bad things. And he will not make negative impact on society. A poor person with a bottom line is respectable. And no matter how difficult his life is, his brilliant character will warm others like sunshine. For example, Du Fu, a poet in the Tang Dynasty of China, lived in a thatched cottage with leaks everywhere in his later years. And he even was bullied by naughty children. But he did not hate others. Instead, he prayed for people, hoping that everyone would have warm and solid house. Basically, there are not many rich and noble people in history that everyone remembers their names. But Du Fu is a household name in China. What’s more, in addition to the rich and the poor, the majority of people are ordinary. In my perspective, ordinary people with bottom lines are both lovely and respectable. They have positive energy, and not so greedy. Compared with the rich and the poor, they are more likely to feel happy.
Some girls cry on the Internet, saying that their boyfriends or husbands have changed too much before and after they chased them: they were so careful and caring, but turned to be devils after owning them. In fact, when observing a person, you should not look how good he treats you when he likes you, but whether he is a good person with a bottom line. People with bottom lines do everything in moderation. And at least you can have the worst expectations. Otherwise, the passion will eventually fade. When a person without a bottom line doesn’t like you, his attitude towards you may not be better than that towards a strange beggar on the street.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. You are currently working on promoting climate action. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Basically, I am promoting climate actions from work and life aspects gradually. First of all, as individuals, although we do not have a great influence at present, such as launching a big campaign, we can start from ourselves. And let people around see our changes. For example, if I have enough time, I prefer riding bike or walking within a radius of about four kilometers from home than driving or taking public transportation. Try to bring your own shopping bags when shopping. If you have to buy shopping bags, use them well and sort the garbage when throwing away. If there are old beans forgotten at home, find and soak them in water to make bean sprouts. Without attracting attention, pick up the garbage you meet on the road and put it into a trash basket. And step on the firing cigarette butts that others throw away. When taking a walk after rain, put the snails and earthworms from cement road to earth, to prevent them from being hurt by people and cars… Above suggestions are about trivial things. But if you and I don’t do them, evil’s power will increase.
In addition, from the perspective of work, I will try to pay more attention to environmental protection and climate changes, like using prophecy to show audience the serious consequences of a bad habit or hidden danger that deteriorates without restraint. Although these consequences may not appear immediately, “A thousand-mile dam is breached by an ant hole.”, once everyone realizes the seriousness of the matter, it is often too late and difficult to reverse it. Though we are just do-little things, we can make a strong community with unity. If readers and audience can make a little change, your existence will be meaningful to mankind and the earth.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause? How old were you when you made this decision?
Although many people heard about global warming and polar bears were losing their homes many years ago. But an obvious specific disaster, like the discharge of nuclear contaminated wastewater in Fukushima, which will clearly endanger all mankind, has not attracted widespread attention internationally. Even when I went to Europe, I found that some people had never heard about it. This case made me feel the fear of media manipulation. It is obvious that some people have completely lost their conscience. Although individuals’ power is small, we need to speak out for all human’s kind. Therefore, I made a prophetic short film “Release” Nuclear Contaminated Water last year, depicting the scene when mankind is destroyed by environmental changes, hoping that more people can be alert. Though the film was made last year, the awareness of environmental protection and protecting the earth has always existed in my heart. So I can’t answer you the specific age.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. We don’t always get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
You may feel a little mysterious. But you can just treat my following story as a story. Several years ago, on one day’s twilight, I just finished my work, turned off computer, and felt relieved. When I stood up, a name appeared in my mind suddenly. It was a person in ancient China, lived around three thousand years ago. His name fell into my mind like a bullet screen, or a star dropped from the sky. Actually, there are not many records of him in official history. Because he died at young age and involved in politics. And many modern people just like to talk about his gossips. They don’t understand his choice and even mock at his sacrifice. At the moment I felt his name, tears suddenly flowed down my face. My heart turned very warm and bloomed. Apparently, I realized that…He is not others…At that time, I suddenly understood why he made such a sacrifice, even though he knew the devil would punish him crucially. At the same time, I experienced a precious mental power: mercy. From then on, I felt a strong connection between individuals and the earth and the universe. No longer looked down on myself, move forward towards my dreams bravely.
Actually, I hesitated whether to say this. But I sincerely hope that readers can be inspired: everyone’s life is precious. Even if you don’t have any unusual experience, your relationship with the earth and the universe is much deeper than you think. And you are much more valuable than you image. The universe and the earth can not only sense your existence, but also love you very much. And they do not care about money and fame which most people pursue. But they sincerely hope that you can become a better yourself. It is just because of our limited vision. We can feel too little now. So we feel that we are not loved enough. Please keep learning and exploring attitude, be less selfish and do things for common’s sake. Do not lie and fool others. The universe knows everything. Achievements of life cannot be valued by fame and fortune. Your conscience is the best measurement!
What are some of the things you did, or steps you took to get started?
There is a Chinese phrase called “Shendu”. It is kinds like self-discipline. And it means that no matter whether there are others around, we should demand ourselves strictly. For ordinary people, we should not waste food and water for environmental protection. You can turn off the tap when brushing teeth. And we can use overnight water or tea to water plants. When eating outside, it is better to eat less than to waste. In short, try to make less garbage and pollution and avoid bothering the earth.
At the same time, if we have spare capacity, we can also help others without asking for anything in return. If some people cannot be selfless at the beginning, they will inevitably want to get the gratitude or reward of the recipients. It is still much better than doing nothing. You can benefit people around you first. And then slowly change to benefit strangers and all living beings, to cultivate a selfless mentality gradually.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
I don’t remember. Maybe I made mistakes but I wasn’t laugh.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I have a cheerleader named Carrie. She is a very rational person and has a very high taste in movies and TV series. She criticizes my scripts mercilessly and urges me to keep improving. She also accompanied me to attend film festivals around the world.
Actually, we also get encouragement from different people at different stages of life. From childhood to adulthood, many classmates and workmates have told me that “Don’t forget me when you become rich and powerful”. But after finishing saying this, they seem to lie down. It is likes that they buy lottery tickets and wait for the prize. I still hope that they can work harder by themselves.
Without saying specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I answered this question in the last interview. But this time I want to give a counterexample, talking about someone I really can’t help.
There is a girl who has nothing but money. Yes, you heard it right. She has no advantages except money. She has never worked properly. Basically, she can’t get out of bed on time. Since her family is rich, she made some so-called friends. And she had a little job intermittently, but she couldn’t stick to it. She longs for men’s love and keeps having plastic surgery and looking for a boyfriend. But she is also afraid that others will only love her money. She spends a lot of time and energy on taking photos and photoshopping them every day to get the attention of men. If a man uses his power to give her a little preferential treatment, she will be very happy.
However, she is very contradictory. Maybe she knows that people look down on “fawning on men”. So she wears clothes that men like, takes sexy photos with a fixed posture, and comforts herself with the excuse that she doesn’t spend men’s money, claiming that she is an independent woman. But isn’t her father a man? The claim that she doesn’t spend men’s money is really untenable.
At the same time, she feels aggrieved because her father looks down on her. She thinks that she is just a talent that is not appreciated, and she wants to make great achievements to show this old man. However, no matter how decisive and resolute her words are, you would be a clown if you take them seriously. After all, she couldn’t even get out of bed the next day. She seldom keeps her word. Her life is full of excuses.
People often say that “increase income and reduce expenditure”. In fact, people who rely on parents to earn money may not completely wrong. Because every family has different causes and effects. But extravagance and waste are purely personal sins. Besides buying luxurious goods for food, clothing, housing and transportation, it is normal for her to order a lot of food and waste it. She has no empathy and thinks that she is God if she spends money. However, she is not totally without the awareness of “thrift”. When she stays with her drinking buddies, she spends a lot of money. But for friends who really want her to be better, she will calculate every penny. She is coquettish and flatters men and complains about girls. But she is never aware of her bad habits. Consciousness affects the body and mind. Over time, under this distorted mentality and bad living habits, her spirit and energy declined at a visible speed.
If I didn’t say these words, she may still think that she is a “talented beauty” who deserves people’s love. In short, if people don’t change themselves, even if gods come but nothing for help. For her case, I can only say “bless her”. I tell this story in the hope that everyone will understand that “money is really not omnipotent” and people must have spiritual pursuits and self-control. If anyone can learn from this story, it can be regarded as her indirect good deeds.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
For protecting the planet, if governments of major developed countries act for all humanity’s sake, rather than short-sighted, earning own interests, things would soon be better.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Expand your horizon
If a person knows too little about the world. Either he is easy to think that “the world is just what happened around you” and become arrogant. Or he is easy to worship authority, obedient to others and lose himself. Both above perspectives are undesirable. In ancient China, people encouraged “Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles”. Now due to high technology, you can see the scenery happened thousands of miles away at a glance. You already save lots of time. Therefore, we must not be frogs at the bottom of the well, but keep an open mind, learn more, and exercise independent thinking ability. Instead of blindly following others and wasting your life.
2 . Do trivial things well
As the saying goes, “Do not avoid doing a good deed even if it seems trivial, and do not commit an evil act even if it seems small.” People always despise small things, thinking that they can do them whenever they want. And they don’t sense accomplishment in doing them. However, how can you sweep the world if you can’t sweep your own house? Who dares to expect you to take responsibility if you don’t even have self-discipline? Protecting the earth is not a special duty for superheroes in the films. Fulfill your duty, reduce excessive desires, and stick to your inner kindness. Everyone can become own superhero.
3 . Awakening of consciousness
The real awakening is not to gain superpowers like the protagonists in superhero movies do. It is to find how you could be a better person, realize your life mission. In ancient times, people ate less and wore fewer warm clothes, but there were not so many diseases and desires. The simple lifestyle gave people more time to reflect on themselves and do things to improve their own quality. The earth gave birth to us, and we should respect her. Just like a baby lying in mom’s arms and sucking milk, the earth can sense every single of us. We are closely related to the earth. From this moment on, correct your bad habits and move towards kindness. Don’t hurt others because of short-sighted behaviors. The slaughter among children will only make the earth mother sad.
4 . Promote morality
Doctors and medicines can’t save people’s hearts, but morality can. Now environment is getting worse, food is getting more and more poisonous, diseases are increasing, and people’s hearts are getting dark. Everyone complains about moral degradation, but nobody dares to stand up. The law is the minimum requirement for people, but people who have lost their morals use it as an excuse to satisfy themselves. Extravagance and debauchery are not worth promoting, and they shouldn’t be allowed to be popular. Only when kind people work together, prohibit and punish immoral behaviors. They can rewrite the scale of society.
5 . Protect yourself
Exposing the truth will affect people who take advantages of immoral business. So I hope readers can protect yourself first. Be strict with ourselves, and then help others if we have the spare capacity.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
There is nothing permanent except change. Our circumstances are very different from those of our elders. So we cannot treat this ever-changing society with old ideas. At the same time, you don’t need to feel anxious and be imprisoned by “age concept”, which is imposed on you by the secular world. Don’t make the wrong decision because of the eager to quick success. Keep studying hard and improving your comprehensive quality steadily. Let nature take its course.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Pope Francis. Mental improvement needs both eastern and western countries work together.
How can our readers follow you online?
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10036519/?ref_=nmbio_ov
Instagram: Yiwencaoeven
Linkedin: YIWEN CAO
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Young Change Makers Promoting Climate Action: How Filmmaker Yiwen Cao Is Helping To Protect Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.