Kevin Xian Ming Yu
Directing
Biography
Kevin Xian Ming Yu is a non-binary filmmaker from Queens, NY. They are a 2024 Film at Lincoln Center Artist Academy Fellow and 2023-2024 UFO Film Lab filmmaker. They were also selected to be a part of the 2024 NewFest/Concord Originals Sound & Scene Cohort. Kevin is committed to telling the stories of underrepresented communities, specifically representing the Asian-American communities and diaspora in New York. Their latest short film, Yú Cì (Fish Bones) premiered at SXSW 2025. Kevin has also worked as a cinematographer on various short form content and two feature films, Verde and Anna Comes Home. Their work as a cinematographer has screened at festivals such as Sundance, Energa Camerimage Festival, New Orleans Film Festival and has been featured on Short of the Week and the A.V. Club. Kevin is also the co-editor of homesickness: a BIPOC Cinema Zine.
Known For
Kai, a genderqueer Chinese-American, and their mother, Li, deal with the effects of a heavy storm on their basement apartment in Queens. Zhou, Kai’s grandfather, is dying in Northeast China. During this sleepless night, a familiar spirit visits Kai and mistakes them for Li.
I Saw You in the Flood

An older reclusive woman develops a close relationship with her recently widowed neighbor in an attempt to allow herself to be loved.
Neighbors

While fleeing their hometown during the Nazi invasion, Jewish teenagers Fanye and Rivkah are chased through the woods by an armed Nazi soldier and are forced to make life-and-death decisions.
The Red Shoe

Zhang, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant, visits the grieving family of his former lover, Ming. Over one afternoon in Queens, he connects with twenty-something Andy, Ming’s genderqueer child.
Take a Look at Me
Ai, a Chinese immigrant, sees her deceased sister in a tai-chi class.
Carry Tiger to Mountain

When introduced to her fellow nun's family, Sister Flora questions her romantic relationship with Sister Muriel and her devotion to God.
Nun's Beach

An obsessive baker moves in with her boyfriend just as her sourdough starter develops a blood-thirsty craving.
Breadwinner

Bowen, a nonbinary Asian-American from Queens, tries to connect with their estranged father and help him deal with a poisonous fish bite.
Yú Cì (Fish Bones)
When young Malcom (D. Malik Beckford), a charismatic prison inmate saves the life of a Corrections Officer (Christopher LaPanta) during a prison fight, he is paroled early, and gets to start his life for real. Malcom turns his life around, becomes a Champion professional wrestler, and inspires his old friend to change his life for the better.
The Journey of Malcom Miracle and Dave

When two young students are interrupted during an intimate after school rehearsal, Mel notices her friend’s twisted connection with their drama teacher. Mel must do everything in her power to break Shelby out of Mr. Voznesky’s powerful spell.
Going Dark

With their mother missing for three days, it is Emmanuel’s job to pick up his little brother Alex after school. One evening, as they make their way back home, Alex’s reluctance to listen to his older sets their night on a course that alters their lives forever.
Grown
A young Asian-American struggles to balance their exploration of gender identity with the expectations of their immigrant mother.