about steven

Steven is a first-generation Chinese New Zealand screenwriter, director, and editor with over twenty years of experience in the local and international screen industry, including two years in London. His passion for visually driven, emotionally resonant storytelling has earned his independent short films screenings at prestigious festivals such as Clermont Ferrand, New Zealand International Film Festival, Fantasia, and Beyond Fest.

His award-winning thriller MUNKIE draws inspiration from the true-crime case of Jennifer Pan, a woman who conspired to murder her immigrant parents. The film’s successful North American festival run (2021 onward) led to pitching opportunities with 20th Digital Studio and distribution offers, including Bloody Disgusting TV for Cineverse.

Expanding his work into documentary filmmaking, Steven co-produced and co-directed a one-hour documentary on former Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon for Whakaata Māori and Radio New Zealand, chronicling a year of his efforts to build bridges between Māori and ethnic communities.

Committed to creating edge-of-your-seat genre stories with global appeal, Steven champions greater diversity both on screen and behind the camera. He currently serves on the board of the Pan-Asian Screen Collective and previously served as Vice President of the Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand (2021-2024).