Biography
Wenhwa Tsao – Biography, &
Born and raised in Taiwan, Wenhwa Tsao is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and industry leader whose work delves into immigration, identity, and social justice. Her films have screened at over 100 international festivals across six continents, reaching audiences in North America (Canada, Mexico), Asia (China, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Iran, Turkey, Japan), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Ireland, the UK), South America (Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela), Africa (Nigeria, South Africa), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), as well as the Caribbean (Bermuda). With a global presence, her storytelling continues to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
Wenhwa's films have received support from prestigious granting organizations, including, the Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Media Artist Fellowship and the Kodak Faculty Scholar Award. In recognition of her talent, the American Film Institute selected her for its prestigious Directing Workshop for Women.
Her creative work reflects a deep commitment to telling authentic, underrepresented stories, particularly those of Asian immigrants and marginalized communities. She is dedicated to tackling important social issues through film, including the impact of racism and the experiences of undocumented immigrants. She is also a certified Intimacy Coordinator through the Intimacy Professionals Association, bringing industry-leading expertise to on-set safety and best practices.
Beyond her filmmaking, Wenhwa has had a distinguished career in education, serving as Interim Co-Director for the School of Film and Television at 51ÉçÇø, where she is also a tenured professor. She has held key leadership roles, including Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, and has been a driving force in curriculum development. Her contributions to film education earned her the Excellence in Teaching Award from 51ÉçÇø and the University Film & Video Association.
Wenhwa has been a key leader in film education, serving on the North America Board of CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Écoles de Cinéma et de Télévision), the global association of the world's top film and television schools. Additionally, she has held leadership positions in the University Film & Video Association (UFVA), serving as President and Conference Vice President. Through her advocacy and mentorship, she has played a pivotal role in shaping film education, ensuring that emerging filmmakers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the industry.
For more information about her work, you can visit her websites at:
Instructional Areas
Cinema and Television Arts - Cinema Directing, Moving Image Production, Producing, Image Design, Ideation and Theme, Script Analysis, Intimacy Coordination
Creative Practice and Research Interests
Tsao’s work focuses on issues related to the Chinese American experience, especially the immigrant experience.
Degrees
A.A., Tainan University of Technology 1984
B.A., Fine and Applied Arts University of Oregon 1987
M.F.A., Photography & Film Virginia Commonwealth University 1990