Malaysian cinematographer shoots for the stars despite facing challenges in a male-dominated industry

Isabella Tan in her element as a cinematographer and producer. Photo: Rebel Motion

Malaysian cinematographer and director Isabella Tan, 27, has faced numerous challenges as a woman in the entertainment industry that is still very male dominated. But, though it frustrated her at first, she decided to just “let her work speak for itself”.

“People have often been surprised to see me carry around heavy cameras on set or at a creative meeting.

“I’ve also been told that I don’t look fit enough for such jobs or that I don’t look qualified enough because film is a very male-dominated industry,” recounts the petite lass who stands at 1.57m.

“Being a woman is something that’s considered a setback in this line and I was really angry at first but then I thought, why not just let my work speak for itself,” says Tan.

Isabella Tan in London, England. Photo: Rebel Motion

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, to a Taiwanese mother and Malaysian father, Tan grew up in Kuala Lumpur.

She now lives and works in New York, United States since first moving there for college at the age of 19.

Tan feels that she can’t really “overcome” the way women are perceived in the industry because “you can’t control how other people see you”.

Tan works globally, travelling and working where she’s needed. Photo: Rebel Motion

“All I can do is just keep growing my craft and hope that people such as myself won’t be discriminated because of our gender or other factors, but be respected for the work we put in,” she says.

Although the industry has evolved in recent years, with more women in executive positions, Tan reckons that “there’s still a long way to go”.

To the outgoing young woman, the #Metoo movement has had a positive impact as it holds people accountable.

“I think it’s terrible for anyone to face any harassment at work – but this is the world we live in.

“I’ve been a victim too in some ways. It exists in micro-aggression. It’s difficult to find anyone who hasn’t encountered sexual harassment at work – whether they’re men or women, although women encounter it more often.

“We need to support victims and empower them to speak out because keeping silent is giving power to the abuser.

“It’s something we still need to work on as a society but accountability is the first step,” she adds.

A colourful journey

In 2013, Tan moved to New York for college and started a creative production company Rebel Motion while she was a student. Upon graduating, she returned to Malaysia and opened a Malaysian branch in 2017.

She has worked with many celebrities in the course of her career, including actress Naomi Watts (King Kong, Mulholland Drive), singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, American actress, singer and model Arden Cho (Teen Wolf), designer and fashion magnate Tommy Hilfilger.

One of her favourite famous persons to have worked with is Singaporean actress, presenter, musician and former national swimmer Narelle Kheng whom she did a music video with. Australian actor from Sabah, Remy Hii (Crazy Rich Asians, Spiderman: Far From Home) was also in the video.

“Celebrities are also human beings just like you and me, but they’re people who are experienced and comfortable with being on camera,” she says.

Isabella Tan in her element directing on set. Photo: Rebel Motion

“And Naomi Watts was so fun to work with!!” she enthuses.

Tan, who graduated in fine arts (film and television) and has a second degree in business, says that she works globally, travelling and working where her work is.

“I come from a traditional family that’s very business-focused and I’m the only one pursuing the arts. But my family background has definitely helped me in my work and I look at things through an entrepreneur’s perspective as well,” she says.

“My love for creative things started when I was a teenager. I’ve always loved cameras and at the age of 13, my father gave me a Canonshot (camera) to take photos with during family trips. And as I kept taking photos, I became more and more fascinated with what I saw through the viewfinder,” she says.

“It was like I was seeing the world for the first time. That excitement turned photography into a hobby and subsequently, my work. And once I pursued it more seriously, my photography eventually evolved into motion picture,” she shares.

Her dream, she says, was always to be able to “tell stories”, inspired by films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix.

“Those two movies really sparked the flame within me to become a visual storyteller,” she says adding that among her favourite filmmakers are Wong Kar Wai and Hayao Miyazaki.

Directing and shooting a music video for American actress, singer and model Arden Cho. Photo: Rebel Motion

The bigger picture

Tan is also involved in non-profit organisations such as New York City Women Filmmakers (an inclusive community that supports underrepresented creators and helps advance the careers of women, non-binary and gender-nonconformist filmmakers), Free The Work (a global talent-discovery platform featuring underrepresented creators), and Women in Media (an initiative to promote gender balance in the film and entertainment industries).

Tan says that what drives her is her own competitive nature and her desire to prove those who told her she couldn’t make a career out of her passion wrong.

“I’d like for my work to be able to affect, inspire and make my audience feel things. Telling stories was one of the things that set us human beings apart from other creatures, and even the Greeks considered this art form sacred,” she says.

Being in the creative industry, Tan reveals that each day is different.

“It can get exhausting but it’s such a fun challenge to tackle each day differently. It’s never boring. The biggest hurdle is to maintain a healthy work-life balance because burnout is such a common affliction in this line of work,” she adds.

Directing and shooting a music video for Singaporean musician Narelle Kheng. Photo: Rebel Motion

The outgoing Tan enjoys both indoor activities and exploring the outdoors. She just started diving last year even though she’s afraid of the ocean.

“But I believe in conquering my fears. And I managed to get certified so I’m happy,” she says.

Initially, she admits that didn’t miss Malaysia as much because she was so excited about being in the US.

“But recently, I’ve really missed Malaysia, not just the food, but my friends and how diverse and inclusive the different cultures are. I realise how lucky I was to grow up in such a melting pot of cultures,” she says, adding that she’s aiming to make more films in South East Asia in the future.

Tan is currently working on a feature length documentary, developing a television series and shooting a film in Malaysia later this year.