Emmy‑winning, Oscar‑nominated Malaysian filmmaker Cheyenne Tan says Malaysia must invest in its storytellers (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — In Malaysia, it remains a point of pride when homegrown talent makes its mark on the international stage.

For Cheyenne Tan, that recognition has been built through years of dedication to documentary storytelling, a world often shaped by uncertainty, long hours and constant challenges. Yet for those who persist, it can also be deeply rewarding.

Tan is a two-time Academy Award nominee, having co-produced St. Louis Superman, which was nominated for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 92nd Academy Awards, and I Am Ready, Warden, which received a similar nomination at the 97th Academy Awards.

Most recently, she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Research for her work as associate producer on Turning Point: The Vietnam War.

Behind these milestones lies a long journey marked by persistence, learning and a commitment to telling meaningful stories.

Tan’s career reflects how sustained dedication to the craft can open doors to some of the industry’s highest honours.

Early life and upbringing

As the eldest of three siblings — and a twin — Tan said her upbringing played a significant role in shaping how she saw the world from an early age.

Growing up, she often observed and questioned the different ways boys and girls were treated in society.

Naturally drawn to creative pursuits, she described herself as a child who gravitated toward storytelling and the arts.

A turning point came when her family moved to the United Kingdom for about a year when she was around eight years old.

The experience broadened her worldview and changed how she engaged with ideas and people.

“I became more vocal, started reading more and developed interests in history, philosophy and discussing larger social issues,” she said in a Zoom interview with Malay Mail.

“Looking back, those experiences played a significant role in shaping how I approach storytelling today.”

Growing interest in storytelling

After returning to Malaysia, Tan spent her formative years in Kuching until Form Five, where her interest in films, television and books gradually deepened.

She began to recognise the power of visual storytelling.

“Within an hour and a half, a film can completely change how people see themselves and the world around them,” she stated.

She briefly considered traditional career paths such as journalism and law, but repeatedly returned to filmmaking.

Her interest was not sparked by a single defining film, but developed over years of watching and analysing stories across different mediums.

When asked whether she watched Malaysian films growing up, Tan said she did enjoy timeless classics by Yasmin Ahmad and P. Ramlee.

Eventually, Tan realised that if she wanted to pursue filmmaking seriously, Los Angeles would offer the opportunities she needed.

After her family relocated to Putrajaya for several years, she later moved to the United States to begin her professional journey. 

Building a career in Los Angeles

Like many emerging filmmakers, Tan faced significant challenges upon arriving in Los Angeles.

She knew no one, and the absence of friends or family made the early years especially isolating.

Beyond adapting to a new environment, she also had to navigate the pressures of working under a specialised visa that required her to consistently demonstrate professional achievement in order to remain in the United States.

“That pressure made me a workaholic,” she said.

“In my first few years in the industry, I worked almost constantly.”

While the demanding schedule helped her establish herself professionally, it also taught her the importance of eventually finding balance between work and personal well-being.

Support and reflections on Malaysian storytelling

Today, the work has clearly paid off and despite her success abroad, Tan credits much of her journey to her parents’ unwavering support.

“I’m very aware that I was fortunate.

“My parents, especially my mother, were incredibly supportive of my dreams and helped finance my education in the United States.

“That’s a privilege I never take for granted.”

Although she has spent the past decade building a career in Los Angeles, Tan has not forgotten her Malaysian roots.

She said she hopes to revisit many of the local films she enjoyed growing up, noting that access to Malaysian films in Los Angeles can be limited.

When asked what advice she would give young Malaysians hoping to pursue careers in similar fields, Tan first encouraged stronger support for local filmmakers.

“Many talented filmmakers in Malaysia face challenges such as limited funding, fewer resources and difficulties getting their work seen.

“We readily support Korean dramas, Indonesian films and productions from around the region.

“There’s no reason we can’t show the same enthusiasm for Malaysian stories and Malaysian filmmakers.”

At the same time, she encouraged aspiring filmmakers to start telling stories about their own communities and the people around them.

Tan added that many stories about places such as Sarawak are still being told by non-Malaysians, and local storytellers deserve the opportunity, resources and support to tell those stories themselves.

“Most importantly, we need to create an environment where filmmakers have room to learn, experiment, fail and grow.

“That’s how stronger creative industries are built,” she concluded.

While Tan’s list of achievements continues to grow, she believes there is still much more to accomplish.

She is building a career that reflects her personal ambitions and highlights the global potential of Malaysian creative talent.