Meet Zixi Zhang
Zixi "Vicky" Zhang is a Los Angeles & China-based writer/director in both film and animation. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, she has directed and produced several award-winning short films that have received acclaim at national and international film festivals, establishing her as a rising talent in the industry.
Born and raised in China, Zixi brings a rich cultural sensitivity and perspective to her story. She seamlessly blends her heritage with a contemporary cinematic voice. She deeply commits to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling with versatile creative techniques. She uses her craft to explore personal narratives, identities, cultural struggles, underrepresented voices, and emotional landscapes.
Zixi aims to tell stories that speak emotional truth to the audience.
Filmography
Writer/Director
Hertz
2025
Musical animation short exploring unsolved grief and the power of personal connection.
(Writer/Director)
A Raining Day
2025
Neo-noir feature screenplay centered on a female perspective, examining modern systemic corruption. (Writer)
Play Telephone
2025
Short film rooted in Chinese culture, portraying the relationship between a mother and daughter.
(Writer)
Secret
2025
Short film set in 1960s–70s Los Angeles, addressing urban renewal and the eviction of minority communities such as Black and Asian families.
(Writer)
Forest
2023
Animated micro-short for children addressing environmental awareness and land invasion. (Writer/Director)
Art & Design Department
New in Town
2024
A film addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. (Production Designer, Costume Designer)
Official Selection, LA Shorts International Film Festival 2024
Dollhouse
2024
Sci-fi film exploring the entangled relationship between a human and a replicant.
(Art Director)
Gumball Machine
2023
Coming-of-age story about a young girl’s bond with her childhood gumball machine.
(Production Designer)
Official Selection, NFFTY 2023
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Two Sun
2023
LGBTQ+ film about two gay actors blurring the line between reality and performance.
(Art Director)
Cut Your Wings and Fly
2023
Experimental film exploring the struggles of modern existence.
(Production Designer)
Have a Good Night
2022
An animated short capturing a woman’s solitary night and the unexpected encounter that follows on her way home.
(Background Designer, Art Director)
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Winner, Los Angeles Animation Festival 2022
Semi-Finalist, AniMate Australia Animation Film Festival 2023
Official Selection, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2022
Best Animation Short, Paris Shorts Film Awards 2023