J Wang is a proud EPIC alumnus and a Chinese-American film writer, director, and editor based in New York City. Growing up with a unique upbringing that involved moving between the U.S. and China almost every year, J is passionate about telling stories that explore the intersection of two distinct worlds. Her work often takes the perspective of outsiders, trying to find belonging and connection even in surreal and absurd situations. her latest short film, Bili Bean, explores the journey of a plant trying to save their lost bean in a family therapist’s office, while impacting the lives of the family along the way, a parallel story of survival in the face of failure.
A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Film & Television, J is also a Steve Jobs Archive Fellow. Her collaboration with EPIC included creating short documentary films on Nobel Laureates and professional athletes. Reflecting on her time with EPIC, J credits the experience with shaping her perspective on failure and its critical role in the creative process.
J’s Insights on Failure Through EPIC
"Working with EPIC completely transformed how I view and learn from failure," J shares. "As an editor, I had the privilege of reviewing interviews with Nobel Laureates and professional athletes who candidly shared the raw and honest details of their setbacks. What struck me was how failure—though painful and often ego-crushing—became a catalyst for growth and resilience. These individuals didn’t just endure their pain; they embraced it, finding motivation and insight to move forward. Every story revealed a unique path forward from failure."
Her time at EPIC also inspired her to make these powerful narratives more accessible:
"I felt compelled to distill these interviews into shorter, impactful stories that others could learn from. Along the way, I also explored additional resources on failure, including journals and articles recommended by Dr. Xiaodong Lin. Over time, I noticed a shift in my mindset and resilience."
Impact on Filmmaking and Personal Growth
As a filmmaker, J acknowledges the constant presence of failure in her creative journey:
"The fear of failure is ever-present in filmmaking, and for a long time, I avoided confronting it. But my time at EPIC reminded me that the heart of any compelling story lies in the struggle—the perseverance to keep trying, even after repeated setbacks. This realization has fundamentally changed how I approach storytelling and life. Failure isn’t just a stumbling block; it’s an essential part of creativity and growth."
J’s work with EPIC not only strengthened her resilience but also paved the way for new opportunities. Shortly after her time with EPIC, she was accepted into the Steve Jobs Archive Fellowship:
"EPIC gave me the tools and mindset to embrace failure as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. This perspective undoubtedly helped me secure the fellowship and continues to influence my creative process. My films have become more authentic, exploring characters’ failures and struggles with greater depth and honesty. I’m deeply grateful for my time at EPIC and look forward to sharing more stories about failure, including my own."
Explore more of J Wang’s work on her website: jsmwang.com.
