Meet our AWC Fellow: Meloddy Gao

Learn about our 2025 AWC Fellow, Meloddy Gao

About Me
Meloddy Gao is a Chinese American filmmaker, multimedia artist, and community organizer. Originally from Indiana, her work is shaped by her experiences growing up as the child of immigrants in the midwest suburbs. Her fascination for discovering humanity and humor in absurdity, along with her colorful visual style, form the foundation of her storytelling. She serves as the Communications Coordinator for the Asian American Documentary Network (A-Doc) and graduated with her MFA in Social Documentation from UC Santa Cruz. Meloddy's debut film, SWIMMING LESSONS, a documentary about her family’s lost goodbyes, is currently in the festival circuit. Her latest film, RAMEN WESTERN, follows a young girl who sets off to uncover the secrets of the American West with an unexpected sidekick: a sentient bowl of ramen.

What inspired you to pursue film/media arts?
I believe in the power films have to create positive change. As an undergraduate at Indiana University, I thought I had my whole life planned out. I dreamed of a career in Washington, DC, working in environmental policymaking and Asian American advocacy. But after seeing the widening gaps between marginalized communities and access to political processes of change at the national level, I decided to transition to filmmaking. I used to think that creating impact meant large-scale legislative change, but have come to learn that grassroots impact and creating space for community conversations are equally important.

What are you most excited about for this year’s AWC?
I love the collective moments of excitement and breakthroughs we had when we were developing our films. AWC taught me that I don’t have to make films alone anymore - I have a community now that I can always lean on. I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as a cohort and am so excited to screen our films together at LAAPFF! 

What do you like to do during your free time?
Sew my own clothes, talk to my plants, try new recipes

Favorite Films:
The Farewell by Lulu Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once by Daniels, Birth Control Your Own Adventure by Sindha Agha 

Favorite TV Shows:
Carol & The End of The World, Tuca & Bertie, The Great British Sewing Bee 

Music Artist on Repeat:
KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack!

Unpopular opinion:
Everyone should learn how to garden. 

Restaurant recommendation:
UOVO, Hangari Kalguksu, GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine 

Where to find you: @melo_gao_loveswhales