Gina Su's Journey: Championing Diversity in Film, From Kick-Ass Waitress to Sci-Fi Pilot

Today, we are thrilled to introduce AAPI actress and producer Gina Su, a dynamic force in the film industry who is making waves with her recent sci-fi fantasy short, “Autopilot.” 

Join us as we chat with Gina about her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her vision for the future of diversity in film.

Photo credit: Jeremy Folk

Nicolle: Hi Gina, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Gina: Hi there! I'm an actress and filmmaker who is passionate about diversity both in front and behind the camera. Personally, I'm a sucker for romantic comedy and sci-fi films.

I grew up right here in Los Angeles and have always been drawn to expressing myself through art to make social and cultural change. 

And for funsies:

• My favourite hobby is currently making pottery!

• Favourite recipe: A vegan kimchi and black bean quesadilla. Only 3 ingredients but mind-blowingly satisfying. You've got to try it!

• I am currently obsessed with: Bridgerton Season 3! Yes, Pen!

Nicolle: Do you have an acting degree or any other professional training?

Gina: I have a degree in art and professional training in positive psychology and life coaching. I’m grateful that I followed my gut in these studies because they have given me unexpected life tools that benefited me when I transitioned into acting. 

Nicolle: What productions have you acted in before?

Gina: Oscar-qualifying short film “Fetish” where I play a kick-ass waitress.  The Pilot “Santa Con: The War on Christmas” where I ALSO play a kick-ass waitress. Up next, I’ll be part of an ensemble lead cast in a Lifetime movie.  And I’m a voice actor in a handful of Netflix and Disney+ shows! 

Nicolle: What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

Gina: My favourite role is in the film “Autopilot” which I co-produced with writer and director Jennifer Zhang. My character Diana, is a lone pilot in space who deals with a suspicious virtual companion. I love this role because I believe there are two main avenues in championing diversity in the film: 1. Showcase a story in which the lead character’s race and background are at the forefront of the film’s themes, or 2. Showcase a story that happens to have a diverse lead character, without needing to explain their background. The latter is Diana in Autopilot, she’s just a pilot in a sci-fi movie and she happens to be Asian. That’s empowering.

Nicolle: Why did you want to become an actor?

Gina: I am an actor because this medium allows me to express myself while also affecting others on a larger scale. Growing up, the TV was my third parent. It taught me how to navigate the world as an Asian American immigrant child. However, it also showed me that people learn and believe what they see in mainstream media and some of those stories can be misinformed, harmful, or lacking depth. Acting and filmmaking give me a platform to change those narratives and build new ones, hopefully making a positive difference one story at a time.

Nicolle: What would you do if you weren't an actor?

Gina: I would have continued to be a life coach or transitioned to becoming a health and wellness coach. Helping people discover how powerful their minds are is a joy of mine. I’ve benefited so much from learning about psychology, habit change, mindfulness, and the science of optimism. It’s frustrating to me that these tools aren’t accessible to everyone, just like America’s lack of education around nutrition and personal finance. 

Nicolle: Who do you look up to most in the industry?

Gina: I love Mark Ruffalo's career. He's been able to excel in all genres from drama to comedy to Marvel superhero, if you count that as a genre! Beyond his range, I admire that he is involved in producing films about social and environmental justice. I’d love to make a movie like “Dark Waters” one day.  Reese Witherspoon is also a huge inspiration to me. She’s a powerhouse in her business and producing strategies and I love how she uses Hello Sunshine to champion female writers, actors, and creators. 

Nicolle: What do you think can make a role challenging?

Gina: A role in which the character is experiencing extreme mental or emotional pain for a long time. I can imagine how acting out those low states day in and day out could be difficult, especially since it’s important to me to study the psychology and history of a character. I’m not opposed to doing a role like that, however, I’d be very cognizant about making sure I have a strong mental practice in place along with a vigorous fitness and nutrition strategy to counteract the negative effects of poor mental states on the mind and body. 

Photo credit: Jeremy Folk

Nicolle: Are there any new projects coming up?

Gina: Yes! The sci-fi film “Autopilot” is in progress to become a feature film called Trüebadour. I am also writing an action short as well as an Asian American romantic comedy. I’m always open to collaborating with other creatives and acting in my friend’s projects.  

Thank you C Word for highlighting my work! I welcome anyone to reach out and connect with me via my Instagram @missginasu. 

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Nicolle Knapova is a 30-year-old young adult writer and freelance blogger from the Czech Republic. She has a master’s degree in Creative Writing and Publishing at Bournemouth University. She loves to write about music, books and TV shows. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly