Gaoyang

Yanghuixiao Gao (Gaoyang) is an independent filmmaker based in the U.S., with a Master’s in Film and Media Art from Emerson College. Her work explores themes of personal growth through a universal lens and a distinctly feminine voice.

Her latest short film, What If, has been recognized at the 18th FIRST International Film Festival, Oscar- and GOYA-qualifying Huesca International Film Festival, HollyShorts, FIAPF-accredited Cinema Jove–Valencia, and BIFA-qualifying Directors Notes. The film won Best Screenplay at the 86358 Jia Village Short Film Week and Best International Short Film at Spello (Italy) and Fecimu (Argentina).

Her previous works have screened at Oscar- and CSA-qualifying Seattle International Film Festival, Brooklyn Film Festival, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, as well as the Asian Film Festival, Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Hollywood New Directors, LA Documentary Film Festival, and others.

Gaoyang also serves as a judge for the New York City Independent Film Festival.

Director | Writer | Cinematographer

Awards

  • 52nd Festival Internacional de Cine de Huesca (GOYA and Oscar® Qualifying), Official Selection

  • 39th Cinema Jove - Valencia International Film Festival (FIAPF Accredited), Official Selection

  • 19th HollyShorts Film Festival (Oscar® Qualifying), Official Selection

  • 18th First International Film Festival, Official Selection

  • Directors Notes (BIFA Qualifying), Official Selection

  • 8th 86356 Jia Village Short Film Week, Best Screenplay

  • WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Long Shorts - Live Action, Award Winner

  • Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (BATFA, Oscar® Qualifying), Semi-Finalist

  • Spello International Film Festival Best Short Film, Award Winner

  • Festival Internacional de Cine y Multimedia, Best International Short Film, Award Winner

  • Asian Film Festival, Los Angeles Hollywood, Short Film, Official Selection

  • Andromeda Film Festival, Best Documentary Film, Award Winner

  • Florence Film Festival, Best Short Documentary, Finalist

  • Hollywood New Directors, Narrative Short, Official Selection

  • LA Documentary Film Festival, Official Selection

  • New York City Independent Film Festival, Documentary Short, Official Selection

  • New York International Film Awards, Documentary Short, Official Selection

  • Oregon Short Film Festival, Drama Micro Film, Official Selection

  • Peak City International Film Festival, Directing Micro Shorts, Award Winner

  • Ridgewood International Film Festival, Student Film, Official Selection

  • Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Narrative Short, Official Selection

  • Tryon International Film Festival, Best Short Dramatic Film, Official Selection