Zhijie Cao (born April 4, 1997) grew up in Xi'An, China. After pursuing a BA in Journalism from Central South University in Changsha she developed a passion for storytelling. She attended The London Film School, directing three short films, including the independent short 'Bird and Whale' (2021), while exploring and refining her cinematic style. As a filmmaker Zhijie's films center on realism, female voices and burgeoning sexuality.