Xinyan Yu
Directing
Biography
Xinyan Yu is an Emmy-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker with nearly 15 years of experience crafting intimate, character-driven films across continents. From factory floors in rural Ethiopia to wildfire zones in Hawaii, she specializes in vérité and investigative storytelling that blends cinematic intimacy with journalistic rigor through a deeply human lens. A former BBC producer and now an independent filmmaker, Xinyan has directed and produced work for major broadcasters including PBS, BBC and NHK. Her recent projects include Made in Ethiopia, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, and Maui's Deadly Firestorm for PBS Frontline, which won an Emmy Award and a Scripps Howard Award.
Known For
Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.
Frontline
When a massive Chinese factory complex attempts a high-stakes expansion in rural Ethiopia, three women in search of prosperity have their faith in industrialization tested to the limit. Filmed over four years with singular access, Made in Ethiopia lifts the curtain on China’s historic but misunderstood impact on Africa, and explores contemporary Ethiopia at a moment of profound crisis. The film was awarded the Jury Special Mention at Tribeca Festival.
Made in Ethiopia
FRONTLINE investigates the deadliest American wildfire in a century, and the missed warnings that made it so unstoppable. The documentary examines the fire’s causes, the chaotic response, and how changes to the climate and landscape have made Maui increasingly vulnerable to fires.