Movie: Assassination of President Duke
Writer: Xi Ren
1. Welcome to Scenema! We would love to hear about your journey that brought you so far!
Thank you for this opportunity. I have been loving writing stories since I was a little kid. Writing
is a way to observe my journey and record what I want: freedom, love, peace, and hope. I put all
my longings in my scripts, and my scripts reflect who I am and who I will be in the future.
Inspiration is another thing that has brought me so far; I’m inspired by different kinds of cultures
and how human beings have unique experiences, sometimes happiness and sometimes pain, but
most of the time, they have no one to share. We can unite and empathize more through movies
and shows. This reality motivates me to keep writing and issuing.
2. What made you craft this thrilling drama? What was on your mind while writing it?
This is all inspired by the fact that David Duke tried to run for presidency in the 80s. I thought it
was intriguing and wondered what would happen to America if the KKK became the most
significant political group. It all started from there, and what’s written next is for this quick idea.
3. What is the favorite genre that you wish to explore yet haven’t?
I want to write a horror feature about superstition and oppression towards women in some places
in the world. The horror genre is so difficult to write because the audience doesn’t get scared
easily anymore. But a horror story can expose dangerous practices that still exist and harm
women.
4. You are not yet 30, but still, you seem to have so much potential. What drives you towards
success?
I have always believed in myself, even though my journey was very tough. As a kid, I was very
isolated in my childhood and moved to a foreign land all by myself with nobody I knew when I
was only 15. Turning the loneliness into deep emotion in my scripts is one way to utilize
darkness; turning sadness into real and relatable characters in my story is another way to make
my experience meaningful. Now, 28 years old, I realize everything that happened, positive or
negative, made sense and built who I am and what I wrote. This realization makes me confident
and productive and, most importantly, keeps me moving forward.
5. What makes you choose such sensitive topics to write on?
Because this topic is important. It is about racism, and as a minority, I experienced it firsthand.
However, I didn’t want to write stereotypical characters of any race or corny plots to demonize
any community. My characters have flaws and goals and make mistakes like ordinary people,
and I want to highlight the importance of acceptance and self-love regardless of our world and
skin color.
6. As a storyteller, what are the goals of you life? Where do you wish to see yourself in the next
five years?
My goal is to have my scripts made into movies and TV shows. In the next five years, I see
myself directing my own stories, and people love my movies.
7. When you are not busy writing such wonderful stories, what do you do? What are your
hobbies in general?
Writing poetry is my biggest passion. I have been doing that since I was 12. It makes me feel
content, productive, and creative. Sometimes, my creativity level is high; those are my happiest
days. I also adore fashion and plan to make fashion videos online.
8. What are your future aspirations? What are your future dreams and goals in the field of
storytelling?
My biggest goal in the field of storytelling is to bring empathy and knowledge through
filmmaking. Being a writer is not merely about writing and envisioning what I want; it is about
conveying a message. It is a message that needs to be heard by everyone. Only meaningful
stories deserve to be produced, as they can profoundly impact an audience and change the world.
Writers are not always writers; sometimes, we are storytellers. Unfortunately, certain people are
only willing to listen but still cannot empathize or connect. This harsh reality encourages me to
keep writing my stories because they might resonate with one person from the other side of the
planet of a different nationality, ethnicity, or gender, and they will know they are not alone
because of my voice. Even when the world is divided, filmmaking is about solidarity and union
because we find each other on screen. I always keep learning regardless of my age, and films are
education and knowledge that enlighten and flourish us.
9. Are you working on any movie in the future? What can we expect from you in the near future?
I’m working on a political romance right now. This one is going to be harsh and lovely at the
same time, and of course, it will send a political message. This piece is also turning out poetic
and emotional, making the readers believe in young love.
10. What message do you want to send across with your latest production – Assassination Go
President Duke? How do you want the audience to perceive it?
We have to look at ourselves with introspection and self-love. We can’t always blame our hatred
on other people. We won’t hate anyone when we love and accept who we are. The ending of the
story is gloomy and tragic, but the message is on the brighter side, influencing the viewers to be
more peaceful.
11. Lastly, I hope you had a great experience working with us. Tell us more about your journey
with us!
The most crucial part of my journey is to be persistent. I pursued my high school, college, and
graduate education in America instead of my homeland; if I had given up writing and my dream
at any moment, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Believe in myself and what I can do, and the
belief will only get stronger. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
