Yunhe Zhang
PhD studentProfile
Yunhe Zhang is a practice-based PhD student in Film at Lancaster University. He focuses on the indirect representation of same-sex desire in Chinese cinemas and the revision of historical Chinese myths in contemporary moving images. He graduated from the New York Film Academy (BFA; Filmmaking) and the University of the Arts London (MA; Fashion, Film and Digital Production). Before starting his PhD, he taught film production full-time at two universities in China for three years, and as a visiting professor at Jeonju University, South Korea; now, as an Associate Lecturer, he teaches in Media and Film at Lancaster University. He directed seven short films and one feature film with an RMB 1 million budget. With eight years of industry experience, his work has accumulated around 4.5 million views online, and is a Directors UK Advanced member.
Research Overview
I am interested in reimagining ancient Chinese figures associated with male love through film, bringing together my film practice and critical research. My work looks at the intersections of the representation of same-sex desire, masculinity, mythology, and visual storytelling within Chinese cultural and historical frameworks.
Selected Publications
落花时节又逢君: Chinese
Zhang, Y. 1/07/2023
Digital or Visual Products
待到年少秋风起: Chinese
Zhang, Y. 1/02/2023
Digital or Visual Products
海蓝时见鲸: Chinese
Zhang, Y. 1/07/2019
Digital or Visual Products
Mistake: English
Zhang, Y. 1/02/2019
Digital or Visual Products
Deep in the clouds: English
Zhang, Y. 02/2018
Digital or Visual Products
树深时见鹿: Chinese
Zhang, Y. 1/09/2017
Digital or Visual Products
忽梦少年事: Chinese
Zhang, Y. 1/07/2017
Digital or Visual Products
All Publications
Fairytales of the Other: The Orientalist Gaze, the Villain, and the Cultural Myths from Beyond
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
The 2nd Art Hong Kong Expo
Invited talk
New Queer Voices: The 15th Beijing Queer Film Festival
Prize (including medals and awards)
56th Houston International Film Festival 2023 - Final list (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying)
Prize (including medals and awards)
2019 Los Angeles Film Awards - Best Student Film
Prize (including medals and awards)
The 6th Art For Peace International Festival
Prize (including medals and awards)
The 26th Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival - Semi-Finalist (BAFTA Qualifying, Canadian Screen Award Qualifying)
Prize (including medals and awards)
The 5th China Sound Academy Awards - Third Prize
Prize (including medals and awards)
Love in Love: The 18th Beijing Queer Film Festival
Prize (including medals and awards)
10th Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying)
Prize (including medals and awards)
13th London Fashion Film Festival - Best LGBTQ Fashion Film Award
Prize (including medals and awards)