Hao Zhou

Hao Zhou is a filmmaker exploring queer and feminist themes through both nonfiction and narrative forms. As an undergraduate in China, Zhou wrote/directed a no-budget narrative feature about queer sex workers, “The Night” (2014, Berlinale). Zhou’s recent works include “Correct Me If I’m Wrong” (2025, IFFR), “Like What Would Sorrow Look” (2024, Locarno), and “Wouldn’t Make It Any Other Way” (2024, SXSW). An alum of Berlinale Talents and Talents Tokyo, Zhou has received jury awards including BlackStar, Hawaii, Aspen, and Hamptons, with production support from Firelight Media, IF/Then, ITVS, and other organizations. Zhou holds an MFA in filmmaking and an MA in photography from the University of Iowa, where they made the personal documentary short “Frozen Out” (2021, Student Academy Awards winner).

‍

ABOUT HERE, HOPEFULLY

Here, Hopefully follows Zee, a nonbinary international nursing student from rural China, as they seek to build a sustainable and gender-affirming life in the Midwest despite the challenges they face with racism and xenophobia.

‍