From surrealism to dreams, Japanese and Tawainese filmmaker Asuka Lin centers their work into an exploratory side of hybrids, contradictions and symbiosis within human’s identities. Through a Diversity Conference Leadership Team (DCLT) and Arts Department initiative, Lin was able to show and talk about their work to all Archer community members who attended.

“Asuka’s works are strongly shaped by magical realism and are heavily informed by stories of trauma and surrealism,” DCLT member Deeya Gupta (’21) said. “Their films aim to create an expansion of deep healing and reflection for viewers as well as to carve out a lasting space of empowerment for marginalized people both on and off-screen.”

As Lin began to talk about their personal story as well as their films’ stories, they said that they were incredibly grateful and excited that so many people were interested in their work.

“I make a lot of fantasy magical realism short films,” Lin said. “I think that fantasy storytelling, folklore storytelling, are really interesting in the way that we explore vessels of trauma and memory, and how surrealism can tell truths that go beyond our reality.”

Lin has made four short films: “A.I MAMA”, “(in my house)”, “winter terrace” and “sakanatama.” They have also made two music videos: “In the Object” by Reinabe and “Driving” by Grun Wasser. All of these pieces can be found and accessed on their website.

“I also want to acknowledge that these are very hard times as we are amidst a pandemic,” Lin said. “It can be really hard to stay inspired.”

After getting snippets of Lin’s films and stories, the subsequent Q & A session prompted Lin to go deeper into the meaning behind their films.

“What are some truths that you’ve tried to tell through filmmaking or want to tell in the future?” Lee asked.

Lin responded that “human connections can stay alive after people pass. I wanted to explore the moralization of human lives through stories and remembrance, and I think a lot of that has to do with magical realism.”

As the presentation came to a close, faculty to students expressed gratitude towards Lin with a “digital clap.”

“In this capitalistic society we are always pushed to make work,” Lin said. “You have to just sit down and just be for a second. Breathe. I think it is so important to give yourself space and time.”