For the last few months, my friend Cathy has been telling me, “You have to meet Shumin! She does environmental short films for Science Friday on NPR and you will love her!”

Luckily, this week, I finally did get to meet her, and Cathy was right—the woman and her work are both warm and interesting. She emigrated to New York with her family in 1985, grew up in the city, and spent most of the last decade traveling around the world learning the art of filmmaking by making lots of films.

What I love about her films is their simplicity. They let the stories tell themselves. When the form falls away and the content shines through, you can really connect with the story that’s being told. These films educate, but not in a pedantic way—information is transmitted through the eyes of people engaged with the work. From shopping for fish in Chinatown to learning about Lunar New Year, Shumin’s work celebrates people and the things they do.

She was kind enough to answer some questions I had via email last week. (One technical note: on my Mac I am not able to watch Shumin’s videos via the NPR Science website. If you have the same problem, open up the podcast in ITunes.)

Tell us about your work for NPR.

From September 2007 to June 2008 I was a Metcalf Fellow in Environmental Reporting and produced environmental films for NPR Science Friday, based in New York City.

How did you decide to become a filmmaker?

I decided to study filmmaking in freshman year 1998 at Syracuse University because I felt TV/film/media has the infinite power to touch people’s lives and make a difference. I have been passionate about it ever since, whether making films for tv, for film, for internet, whether PSA or social documentaries or commercial films or environmental films, I believe ‘film’ can serve society.

Among the projects you’ve worked on, what are some of your favorites?

The NPR Science Friday team was invited to visit Milwaukee in May 2008, and I got to spent the entire day (8am to 12 midnight) out on a research vessel boat. I came back to NYC with this film : “The Search for Lake Trout”.

Filmmakers learn a lot about life in the films they make too. Growing up as a Chinese American I ate shark fin soup, so you can see how startled I was to learn about sharks dying out and ocean conservation. This is the final film: “A Bowl of Trouble for Sharks”.

“Grease Lightning: How Biofuel is Made” was interesting and fun to make. In “Oysters—Not Just for Eating” I learned a little about the history of New York City.

What is going on in environmental filmmaking? What excites you?

There is a lot of conflict and drama with environmental issues. And that is the heart of good storytelling and filmmaking. Environmental issues are everywhere and this is what drew me to making environmental films. I felt it was very much needed. I am excited because I feel the work I do is meaningful and I have a lot of fun tackling different environmental issues, in different filmmaking styles. It’s always a challenge to make a difficult issue engaging and accessible for the general public, and I thrive on this challenge.

Describe some of the ways in which you think filmmaking has power. How does it help create a new world?

People, by nature are touched by image & sound—since the first film came out in 1898 it has touched people’s lives. I believe a good film not only engages and entertains and moves the audience—it should also inform and teach and raise awareness too. This is my dedication: to become a good filmmaker making good films that matter.

What does a magnificent future look like to you?

To have my own production company based in New York City, to make engaging films about people, culture, environment, and social issues internationally.