A Masterclass with Chloé Zhao: Sensitivity, Self-Awareness and the Art of Directing

Yesterday, MetFilm School welcomed acclaimed filmmaker Chloé Zhao for an exclusive masterclass with students, hosted by MetFilm School lecturer Neil Williams. The conversation explored Zhao’s journey into filmmaking, her creative philosophy, and the importance of emotional awareness when directing.

Born in Beijing, Zhao first moved to the United States to study political science before turning her attention to film. She later attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Zhao’s feature debut, Songs My Brothers Taught Me, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015 and was nominated for Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards. Her second feature, The Rider, premiered at Directors’ Fortnight during the Cannes Film Festival and went on to win Best Feature at the Gotham Awards in 2018.

Her third feature, Nomadland, marked her global breakthrough. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film won the prestigious Golden Lion and went on to earn more than 100 awards worldwide. Zhao herself received dozens of accolades for directing, writing, and editing, including the Best Director Oscar at the Academy Awards, becoming the first woman of colour and the first Chinese woman to win the category.

Her latest film, Hamnet, premiered to critical acclaim, winning the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film and Best Motion Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globe Awards, as well as multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.  

During the masterclass, Zhao shared reflections on creativity, self-awareness, and the emotional demands of filmmaking.

Sensitivity as a creative strength

Zhao spoke candidly about the importance of understanding yourself as a filmmaker – particularly for those who may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of modern creative environments.

“I believe something bigger than us moves us. And so if you are chosen to be in that situation, you need to be the most natural version of you. That’s what your immediate culture needs.”

For Zhao, filmmaking isn’t only about technical decisions or storytelling craft – it’s also about recognising what you’re feeling in the moment and allowing that awareness to guide creative choices.

“You get to know yourself better. You get to know how the psychic, the architecture of your mind, works and how the nervous system and your body work. So you kind of have to take off the mask and get to know yourself better, so that way you actually know in the moment what you need.”

Directing starts with awareness

Zhao suggested that one of the most powerful tools a director can use is simply pausing to check in with themselves.

“When you think you’re making decisions, just pause for a moment and ask everybody to just go have some coffee. How do I feel right now? And if you don’t know how you feel, how can you direct?”

Often, she explained, the reason we struggle to identify our emotions is because our nervous system is overstimulated.

“If you don’t know how you feel, a lot of times it’s because your nervous system is too overstimulated. So then, do I go take a cold shower? Do I lie on the ground? Do I put some music on? Do I eat food? Do I do some somatic exercises? Whatever. Hug somebody, cry, whatever it takes until you can identify your own feeling.”

Only once you recognise those feelings, she said, can you truly respond to what a scene or a set requires.

Embracing sensitivity

Zhao also challenged the idea that filmmakers should suppress their emotions to lead.

The fact that you’re too sensitive is actually what the culture needs, because that’s what actually everybody needs in that moment. After all, you were there for a reason in that position.”

A conversation that resonated with students

Closing the session, host Neil Williams reflected on the tone of the discussion and its impact on the students in attendance.

He also praised Zhao’s distinctive approach to filmmaking:

“The very unique approach you have to the filmmaking process and the very sensitive and compassionate approach you have as a filmmaker.”

The masterclass offered students a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of contemporary cinema’s most thoughtful voices – and a reminder that great directing often begins with understanding yourself.

Interested in learning from leading filmmakers and industry professionals?

Want access like this? At MetFilm School, our regular masterclasses allow students to hear directly from the voices shaping contemporary screen and cinema. From award-winning directors and producers to screenwriters and editors, these sessions offer unique insights into the creative process, career pathways, and the realities of working in the film industry.

Whether you’re studying with us or considering a future in film, our masterclasses are designed to inspire, challenge and connect you with the people behind some of today’s most exciting work.

Want access to filmmakers, experience and knowledge like this? Apply to MetFilm School, discover our courses and explore upcoming events to see how you can be part of the next conversation.