Born in North East China, I grew up eating sauerkraut, folding origami cranes, tucking three layers of sweaters into my long johns, and falling in love with American cinema. I immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, first to the hills of New Mexico and then the flatlands of Texas. Each time, collecting seeds, observations and experiences that would become the building blocks for my stories and films.
For me, filmmaking is an act of free will and self-worth. It means to live an examined life and to be my own person. I’m interested in toxic family patterns, cycles of abuse, childhood trauma, transgenerational reenactment and how social and cultural environments shape personal identity, mental and emotional health, self-esteem, and the choices that we make.
I have 3 degrees: Biomedical Engineering, English, and an MFA in Creative Writing. I used to build jet engines, managed $1M, and I created a video dating app called HeyU. I’ve had principal acting roles in Eliza Hittman’s award winning film Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always (Focus Features), Tiny Creatures (Netflix) and in branded content for WeWork and Vayner Media. I live in Brooklyn. You can reach me at jingjingworks@gmail.com
PRESS
Paper Magazine: This Short Film Asks: Why Can't I Be a Chinese Cowboy?
High Country News: Filmmaker Jingjing Tian releases her inner cowboy
South China Morning Post: Chinese-American’s short film fulfills a dream and, she hopes, speaks to the dreamer in us all
FICTION
Fiction Magazine: The Deer Hunters
Potluck Magazine: Poems
My favorite films are In the Mood for Love, The Great Beauty, Tree of Life, and Mulholland Drive.