In the bustling New York film circle, the name Ma Wendi may not be well known yet. But if you talk about “Paddy”
, many people will look at you with recognition. His recent thriller comedy short film Joints (2023) has been widely praised and has recently won awards at multiple film festivals.
Since his student days, this independent filmmaker from China has been searching for his unique niche in the New York film industry. He has a tall figure and always has a warm smile. Whether he treats every member of the team or faces the twists and turns of life, he can always be open-minded and friendly, tolerant and very patient. This kind of
His "proper" way of dealing with people has earned him many praises from people in the industry.
(Guiding Paddy in the film)
During Paddy's college days, the idea of becoming a "storyteller"
had already taken root in his mind. Although he majored in management, he was immersed in stage drama. in the world. His growing love for storytelling and directing led him across the ocean to the United States to study filmmaking. In New York, he earned an MFA in Film Directing from the School of Visual Arts (SVA). This all stems from his desire to preserve fleeting moments forever, that is, to turn stories into movies.
(Guiding Paddy in the film)
"I have always believed that the essence of stories is the essence of people; movies are the best canvas for stories." Paddy said affectionately when he recalled his earliest days of studying film.
Transforming him from a film student to a creator working hard in the New York film industry required hard work, continuous learning, and unwavering determination. Paddy
is fully involved in all aspects of film shooting, sometimes as a director, sometimes as a photographer, sometimes as a lighting engineer, and sometimes even as a sound engineer, which has allowed him to accumulate a wealth of on-set experience. He not only wanted to learn technology, but also to master various storytelling techniques and understand how to concretely transform abstract ideas into movie images.
In recent years, Paddy has begun to turn into a film producer, a role that allows him to better tell the stories he wants to tell. The content and style of his selected works are diverse and profound. Whether it is the touching film
'A Missing Piece (2019)' that explores the state of mind of patients with Alzheimer's disease, or the documentary 'A Kiss of Sweet: The Godiva's
Method (2021)' in collaboration with the Discovery Channel to reveal the secrets of chocolate making, Paddy's films lead audiences to discover new stories.
(Still from A Sweet Kiss: The Godiva's Method (2021))
In student films such as Fishing (2022), he highlighted the control of narrative and revealed the dilemma of young people in modern consumerism. Before Night Falls (2023)
has even reached the realm of compassion: this is a philosophical story about two bionic robots trying to explore the essence of human nature in the end of the world when human society has disappeared. These stories are not just wild fantasies, they are reflections on modern human society and a reflection of the spirit of the times.
(Still from "Before Night Falls (2023)")
The epidemic in 2020 brought an unprecedented impact to Paddy's film career. As projects were delayed and canceled, he was filled with uncertainty and anxiety. There was a time when he even considered giving up movies and looking for other directions in life. However, driven by deep self-reflection and an undying love for movies, he decided to persevere. Through self-study and communication with peers, he gradually regained his confidence, regrouped, and once again devoted himself to his beloved film world.
In the summer of 2023
, Paddy stepped into the desolate mountains and Gobi in western Mongolia, using his lens to record the ancient tradition of Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia. This independent documentary is more than just a movie, it is an attempt to use the lens to record and protect this ancient cultural tradition that is on the verge of disappearing. The crew's efforts to help protect this ancient tradition have also received strong support from the Mongolian government.
(Photo with falconers)
In order to film this documentary, Paddy's crew chose to live and eat with local herdsmen in a wild camp to gain an in-depth understanding of their lives and traditions. Blizzards began to fall in the cold mountainous areas of western Mongolia in October. Together with the falconers, they entered the snow-covered mountains and recorded precious scenes. This personal experience not only enriched the content of his films, but also gave him a deeper understanding of the Kazakh people's close connection with nature and tradition. Through the lens, he hopes to show this primitive and profound humanistic care to audiences around the world, so that more people can understand and respect these ancient traditions that are about to disappear.
(Selfie with Kazakh falconers training falcons on the top of a mountain in heavy snow)
“Recording the life of falconers is a profound experience in itself, and this tradition itself is a legend, giving people a tough but tough feeling. An unreachable power."
Paddy said, the cry of Kazakh hunters calling for falcons in the Mongolian wilderness still echoing in his ears.
As the seasons change, so does the story Paddy wants to tell. His next shooting plan is a fantasy-themed feature-length film in the context of modern New York City. Although it has not yet been announced, news of the film has spread like wildfire and attracted a lot of attention. The film is funded by Chinese entertainment giant NetEase, making the project a testament to Paddy's undying passion for filmmaking.
Paddy's cinematic journey is a constant challenge to narrative. Every picture he directs, produces or influences is filled with more expectations for different stories. In Paddy's world, every story is a portal to another world, and every movie is a canvas for his endless curiosity. His
"storytelling" journey is not only a personal odyssey, but also story-telling that transcends cultures and the perseverance of a true filmmaker.
