Biography
Wenhwa Tsao – Biography, & Ìý
Born and raised in Taiwan, Wenhwa Tsao is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and industry leader whose work explores immigration, identity, and social justice. Her films have screened at more than 100 international film festivals across six continents, reaching audiences in North America (Canada and Mexico), Asia (China, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Iran, Turkey, and Japan), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Ireland, and the UK), South America (Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela), Africa (Nigeria and South Africa), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), and the Caribbean (Bermuda). Through her globally engaged storytelling, she continues to bring underrepresented perspectives to diverse audiences.
Wenhwa’s films have received support from prestigious granting organizations, including the Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Media Artist Fellowship, and the Kodak Faculty Scholar Award. In recognition of her talent, the American Film Institute selected her for its prestigious Directing Workshop for Women.
Her creative work reflects a deep commitment to telling authentic, underrepresented stories, particularly those of Asian immigrants and marginalized communities. Through film, she addresses important social issues, including racism and the experiences of undocumented immigrants. She is also a Certified Intimacy Coordinator through the Intimacy Professionals Association, bringing specialized expertise in on-set safety, consent, and industry best practices to film and television production.
Beyond her filmmaking, Wenhwa has built a distinguished career in higher education. She serves as Dean of the School of Film and Television at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, where she is also a tenured professor. She has held key leadership roles, including Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, and has been a driving force in curriculum development. Her contributions to film education have earned her the Excellence in Teaching Award from ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ and recognition from the University Film & Video Association.
Wenhwa is a leader in international film education, having served on the North American Board of CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Écoles de Cinéma et de Télévision), the global association of film and television schools. She has also held leadership positions in the University Film & Video Association (UFVA), serving as President from 2022 to 2024 and as Conference Vice President. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, she continues to shape film education and help prepare emerging filmmakers with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the industry.
For more information about her work, you can visit her websites at:
Instructional Areas
Cinema and Television Arts - Cinema Directing, Moving Image Production, Producing, Image Design, Ideation and Theme, Script Analysis, Intimacy Coordination
Creative Practice and Research Interests
Tsao’s work focuses on issues related to the Chinese American experience, especially the immigrant experience. Intimacy Coorindation on Film Set.
Degrees
A.A., Tainan University of Technology 1984
B.A., Fine and Applied Arts University of Oregon 1987
M.F.A., Photography & Film Virginia Commonwealth University 1990