Vivian Ip is a Chinese writer-director and lawyer from Singapore, currently based in Los Angeles. Her work explores the human condition and centers underrepresented voices, often drawing from personal memory, identity, and displacement.

Her short films include An Island Drifts (Urbanworld, Dances with Films), At the Water’s Edge (San Diego Comic-Con, NewFilmmakers LA), and The Smart Diver (Indy Shorts, Florida Film Festival). Her work has been supported by ARRI and the University of Southern California, where she received Best Director and Best Drama at USC’s First Look Awards. Most recently, her semi-autobiographical short Bobo in Bliss premiered at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

In addition to her filmmaking practice, Vivian has directed commercial and branded content for clients including Red Bull, TCL, and ReelShort, where she helmed the hit series Breaking the Ice.

She holds an L.L.B with Honours from Durham University and an M.F. A in Film and Television Production from USC. Vivian is a member of BAFTA Connect and is licensed to practice law in both Singapore and California, though she feels most at home on set.

PRESS
American Cinematographer — Madrid’s CLIMAX Returns: A Compelling Exhibition of Human Resilience

ARRI Asia — Interview with Vivian Ip and Shyan Tan of An Island Drifts

ARRI Asia — An update with ARRIse Alumni Vivian Ip and Jon Keng of Bobo in Bliss

BAFTA Connect program — Profile for Vivian Ip

Film Threat — An Island Drifts Review: “brilliantly extracts the emotions and feelings from subtle performances”

Indie Shorts Magazine — An Island Drifts Review: “impossible guilt And relentless isolation in gut-wrenching drama”

Omeleto — An Island Drifts Review: “sensitive, beautifully crafted and yet unflinching in its honesty”

Screen Daily — BAFTA expands Newcomers Initiative

Short Films Matter — An Island Drifts Review: “poignant drama that explores the ripple effect of societal pressure”

Television Business International — SeriesFest unveils shortlist for international independent pilot competition

Variety — Urbanworld Film Festival Announces 25th Anniversary Slate