Born in 1965 in Taipei, Taiwan, Kuei-Lan Anna Ma is an accomplished filmmaker and writer. She completed her undergraduate studies at Fu Jen Catholic University in 1989 before embarking on her creative journey in the United States. In pursuit of her passion for filmmaking, she earned an M.F.A. degree in Filmmaking at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she also obtained a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts.
During her time at film school, Ma directed and produced two 16 mm short films that showcased her versatility as a filmmaker. "Waiting for Spring" delves into the depths of tragedy, while "Really? Riddy? Riddy?" presents a light-hearted comedy. Through these works, Ma explored various narrative genres, infusing her unique perspective as a female filmmaker and an immigrant in the United States.
Ma's academic pursuits led her to write a notable book titled "Symbolist Films: The Metaphorical Expression of Narrative Films." In this book, she defines symbolist films as cinematic works that employ dualistic schemes to convey multiple layers of meaning, a testament to her deep understanding of the art form.
Alongside her scholarly contributions, Ma has written several captivating screenplays, including "The Return," "The Story of the Sea," "Hundred Years' Encounter," "Lunar Relatives," and "Romeo and Benvolio." Among these, "Lunar Relatives" garnered significant acclaim, winning three best screenplay prizes and being named a finalist in multiple competitions.
In 2022, Ma took on the roles of producer and director for her first feature film, "Romeo and Benvolio," set to premiere around 2023-2024. This highly anticipated project showcases Ma's growth as a filmmaker and promises to captivate audiences with its unique vision.
With an impressive background in academia, filmmaking, and storytelling, Kuei-Lan Anna Ma continues to push boundaries and create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.