Editor Gege He Breaks Down Her Most Successful Projects

In the world of film, editors play a crucial role in defining the feel of a movie. Cutting and snipping behind the scenes ensuring that the final product aligns with the director's vision and can be easily digested by the audience. They must be selective in the projects they take, allowing themselves to connect to the film in a way that connects them intrinsically to the emotions within each scene. One such film editor is Gege He, who has made a name for herself through her insightful and emotionally resonant work.

Gege is selective, picking the films that resonate with her on a deeper level. This has proved to be a successful formula, with her movies earning awards from multiple prestigious film festivals. Most recently. “Helene et Iris”, a documentary was awarded the 2024 Butte Film Festival Best Documentary, but this wasn’t her first taste of success. Her work on “Foundation” , a short film directed by Steven Hedrick Jr. was shown at the Cannes Indie Shorts Awards Festival in 2024. Having already established herself within the industry, Gege looks to build off of this success, continuing to grow with each film making cinema that resonates with audiences worldwide.

At the heart of the editor's process is a desire to feel connected to their work. The projects she takes on have a certain gravity associated with them, something she finds herself drawn to. "Absolutely," she states. "Editing is such an immersive and meticulous process that if I don’t connect with the story, it becomes just a job rather than a passion. I always choose scripts that speak to me personally and that I can relate to on some level. If a story resonates with me, I’ll be able to bring that same connection to the audience. When I’m emotionally invested in a script, it’s much easier for me to convey its essence.”

Her dedication to projects she feels deeply about has clearly paid off. With both “Helene et Iris”, and “Foundation” garnering significant recognition through nominations as well as wins at major film festivals. Gege finds these accolades to be a motivation, and expresses her gratitude to projects themselves. "These two stories are ones that I personally connect with, so for these projects to have gained recognition from festivals was extremely rewarding. In a way it also serves as motivation for me to continue to work on projects that I believe in. Spending months in a dark room, obsessing over details, can be an intense process, but seeing the finished film celebrated makes it all worthwhile." She also acknowledged the collaborative nature inherent in filmmaking, adding, “I’m also deeply grateful to the directors and producers for providing me with the opportunity to work on these projects and for trusting me to bring my perspective to the work."

Beyond the accolades, Gege was involved in a particularly memorable moment during the screening of “Foundation” at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater. Describing it as a “surreal experience,” she reflects on the importance of the venue. "It was a big moment for me, knowing the significance the theater has in film history, so my own work being screened on the same screen where so many personally impactful films have been shown was a dream come true. As an editor, I’m used to experiencing films in a very technical way, breaking them down frame by frame. But sitting in that theater, I got to just watch—to feel the film the way it was meant to be experienced. That’s rare, and it was incredible." While appreciating the film in such a hallowed space was special, she also took the opportunity to interact with others within the industry who attended the event.

But critical acclaim isn’t the only barometer of success for Gege. Her work on multiple mini-series such as “Yes Mr. CEO, we have a baby” and “Secret Santa CEO” has reached millions of viewers globally. These projects offered a slight departure from her more serious works. "It’s really exciting for the mini series to have had the reach that they have. Many of my projects in the past have definitely been heavier and more serious so to work on something light and fun was refreshing. The format is different from what I’m used to working with as well so that was a welcome challenge." She emphasized the power of streaming platforms to connect with audiences worldwide. "With streaming, content is more accessible than ever, and the fact that a show can reach someone on the other side of the world, inspire them, or even just give them an escape—it’s a reminder of why we do this."

Ultimately, for Gege, the true measure of success lies not in the trophies and awards but in the lasting effect a film has on its viewers. "Impact, hands down," she stated emphatically when asked what mattered most. "Awards are amazing and reassuring, but they’re a moment in time. The real reward is when a film lingers in someone’s mind, when it sparks conversation, or when someone sees themselves reflected in a way they haven’t before. That’s what lasts. That’s the kind of movie magic that inspired me to become a filmmaker, and it’s what I hope my work does for others."

As her career progresses rapidly, Gege He goes from strength to strength. Taking the necessary time not only to choose but also immerse herself in new projects giving them an authentic feel that is apparent to all who watch. She is careful and selective, attaching herself on many levels to each film or series she works on. This gives them an authenticity that resonates with audiences and brings joy to her own work. With this ethos, the accolades are sure to follow, as Gege continues to bridge the gap between director’s vision and audience’s appreciation.

To hear about Gege’s upcoming projects check out her website gegehe.info.