Session 1: Roundtables - Hweiling Ow - Writer & Director

While being chased by a pack of dogs in the bustling streets of Malaysia, Hweiling realised that her true calling was in the realm of film-making, which allowed her to explore her diverse interests and talents.

Despite starting as an unknown newcomer in New Zealand, Hweiling quickly made a name for herself through her compelling content creation. Her online horror shorts, including T is for Talk, The Tattooist, and The Claw, amassed over 20 million views and garnered widespread acclaim.

Hweiling's talents did not go unnoticed, as she secured funding from the New Zealand Film Commission for her genre-based short films Vivie, Vaspy, the Unreal Engine Short Film Fund for ChengBeng, as well as her feature film Grafted. She also received support from New Zealand On Air for several public broadcast projects, including the acclaimed series AFK, The Basement, Albularyo, and two seasons of Homebound 3.0. She's written for Tales of Nai Nai and Quimbo, two NZ On Air kids animated TV Shows.

Her dedication to her craft earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Women to Watch award at the 2020 New Zealand Women in Film and TV (WIFTNZ) ceremony. Her work often explored the intersection of her experiences as a migrant and the complexities of her upbringing, creating poignant and resonant narratives.

When she's not immersed in her creative endeavors, Hweiling enjoys unwinding with a spirited game of online Beat Saber. With her boundless energy, creativity, and drive, Hweiling is a force to be reckoned with in the world of film-making.