To Be a Child
2025 | Coast Film & Music Festival
Duration: 4 min
Synopisis
Embark on a sensory journey alongside San Francisco-based artist Haoyun Erin Zhao as this enchanting short film unfolds. Through her curious and observant lens, Zhao traverses through the city’s vibrant energy and translates the elusive human emotions into her expansive abstract paintings and multidisciplinary creations.
Through exploring the intricate relationship between the artist’s sensorial memories and the diverse natural elements of California, the film offers a poetic narrative on the profound influence of one's environment on their creative journey.
As the story unfolds, Zhao shares insights into her early artistic influences, studio process, and the transformative power of entering a meditative state to draw inspiration from the unknown. Discover the essence of artistic expression and the magic of connecting seemingly unrelated dots through the eyes of Haoyun Erin Zhao.
Featured at Coast Film & Music Festival 2025
Production Team
Nicholas Dorsey is an award-winning commercial and documentary film director known for capturing vivid, authentic stories.
Originally from Northern California, Nicholas draws constant inspiration from the outdoors, grounding his work in the beauty and complexity of natural landscapes. His love for filmmaking began in childhood, creating DIY videos on family trips and exploring the redwoods—discovering storytelling as a way to make sense of the world. His growing interest in documentary filmmaking led him to New Orleans, where he studied Political Economy at Tulane University and directed his debut film, Making Waves, an exploration of Louisiana’s underground surf culture.
Now based in San Francisco, Nicholas has developed a signature style that blends intimate, overlooked details with larger narratives that illuminate the human experience. Known for his dynamic camera work and fast-paced editing, he evokes a sense of nostalgia and ingenuity across his projects. His storytelling has attracted major clients including Lululemon, Apple, Nike, and Google.
Whether directing vérité documentaries or brand campaigns, Nicholas pushes creative boundaries with every project, constantly seeking new ways to explore the art of filmmaking. Outside of work, he can often be found surfing, taking photos for fun, or searching for the best burrito.