Nkaujoua XIong

filmmaker / photographer

biography

Nkaujoua Xiong, who also goes by NK, is a Hmong multidisciplinary filmmaker, photographer, and artist based in the Midwest. Her creative journey began through reading and writing before expanding into visual storytelling as a more expansive form of expression. Her short documentary, Why My Dad Loves, is an intergenerational work that explores her father’s past and the experiences that shaped his understanding of love. The film screened at the 2025 CAAMFest, where it received the Loni Ding Award for Social Issue Documentary in recognition of its animation and emotionally resonant storytelling.

While NK is primarily known for her documentary work, she is currently re-engaging narrative filmmaking, with a focus on directing, writing, and cinematography. She is interested in deepening her collaboration with actors and further developing her writing practice. Her work reflects a strong interest in the intentionality of narrative cinematography, particularly how camera movement and lighting can shape emotional tone and visual language.

Animation remains a central and deeply personal aspect of NK’s practice. She uses it to reimagine memories and worlds that are otherwise difficult to represent, while also honoring the expressiveness of Hmong culture. It provides a space for play, imagination, and connection—allowing her to engage both her inner child and younger audiences in meaningful ways.

At the core of NK’s work is a commitment to healing through shared artistic experiences, reconnecting with her Hmong heritage, and contributing to a sense of cultural continuity and legacy. Her connection to In Progress reflects a desire to continue growing as an artist within a supportive community, while refining her voice and expanding her approach to storytelling.

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