Feng-I Fiona Roan on American Girl: A Dialogue

The Center for Chinese Studies is pleased to present award-winning film director Feng-I (Fiona) Roan, in dialogue with CCS Director Michael Berry, to discuss her debut feature American Girl. We will discuss her influences, formative experiences, and dive deep into the production and distribution of one of the most critically acclaimed films of the past year. American Girl is now streaming on Netflix and attendees are encouraged to view the film on their own before the event.

Feng-I Fiona Roan received her Directing MFA degree from AFI and was previously trained in classical Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University. Her latest work JIEJIE won the HBO Asian Pacific American Visionary Award and will be distributed by HBO this May.

Feng-I's bilingual works focus on female protagonists and family relationships. Her autobiographical short film JIEJIE competed in the International Asian Section this year in Short Shorts & Asia Film Festival (Tokyo), and is also selected by Palm Springs International Short Fest, LAAPFF, Cleveland, St. Paul Minneapolis, Athens, and Ashland Film Festival.

Her debut feature, American Girl, was selected by Golden Horse FPP 2018 and Film Independent Fast Track Program. It has won numerous awards, include five Golden Horse Awards at the 58th Golden Horse Awards, including Best New Director.