Text: Alex Low
Eunice Tan.
Penang-born filmmaker Eunice Tan has always been unwavering in her pursuit of filmmaking. Today, that determination has seen her carve out a place in Hollywood, delivering stories that bridge the gap between experiences, emotions, and cultures. In this exclusive interview with The Peak, the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Distribution Operations at Seventh Art Releasing shares her journey, offering us a glimpse into the life of a film distributor who dared to dream.
Tan’s foray into filmmaking was driven by sheer determination. “I was interning at a small computer shop in Penang, and right next door was a film production company called Ablaze Films & Entertainment Sdn Bhd. I kept knocking on the door until they let me in, and that persistence landed me a job as a casting assistant on a USD 4.2 million feature film,” she recalls.
Despite having no formal training, those 18 days on set proved to be the genesis of her career in the film industry. “I was hooked by the energy, the urgency, and the creativity,” she recounts her brief stint at the local production house endearingly.
Since then, Tan has worn many hats in the industry — from directing and editing to cinematography. Each role offered a unique perspective on the intricacies of filmmaking. “It gave me a clear view of storytelling and production,” she reflects. This comprehensive understanding laid the foundation for her academic journey at the University of Texas at Austin, where she further honed her craft while gaining deeper insight into the business side of filmmaking — a conduit through which she champions voices from around the world.
GETTING A FOOT IN
Tan got her start in film at just 16 years old.
The film industry has always been notoriously difficult to break into, let alone Hollywood. But for the filmmaker, the journey came with added layers of challenge. “I didn’t look or sound like anyone else,” she shares.
“Starting with zero connections in an industry built on networks was daunting, even more so as a Malaysian woman navigating Hollywood. I had to constantly prove myself, often working twice as hard to earn half the recognition.” Tan’s words echo moments when she felt underestimated in an industry known for its double standards.
“Starting with zero connections in an industry built on networks was daunting, even more so as a Malaysian woman navigating Hollywood. I had to constantly prove myself, often working twice as hard to earn half the recognition.” — Eunice Tan.
“The unconscious biases run deep,” she adds. “The challenge is not just to break through those perceptions, but to do so without losing your voice or values.” If Tan’s experience in Hollywood has taught us anything, it’s that challenges are fertile ground for growth — and that growth can be incredibly rewarding.
Now, as the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Distribution Operations at Seventh Art Releasing, she oversees the entire catalogue of the distribution company, which houses hundreds of critically acclaimed films, including Academy Award-winning titles such as The Long Way Home and Balseros, as well as festival favourites such as Art & Copy and The Swell Season.
A LOVE FOR STORIES
Legend of Destruction.
When asked about her favourite films in the catalogue, Tan responds with palpable enthusiasm. “One film that I really love is Legend of Destruction, a haunting animation about the fall of Jerusalem,” she shares. The film, narrated by an impressive cast including Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly, Elliott Gould, and Billy Zane, is a cinematic interpretation of Talmudic stories surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.
For Tan, Legend of Destruction embodies the kind of cinema she is most drawn to — works that prompt the audience to engage on an emotional level. “These are stories that ripple outward long after the credits roll,” she explains.
With a wealth of experience, it’s no surprise that Tan has a nuanced take when it comes to measuring a film’s success. “It really depends on how you define success. Are we talking about ticket sales, festival awards, or cultural impact?” For narrative features, she notes, commercial returns often serve as the benchmark.
Yet, she is quick to balance this view, highlighting the unique strengths of documentaries and socially driven films. “On the flip side, with these types of films, impact often outweighs revenue.” This perspective illustrates the versatility of cinema as an art form — one in which different genres and formats call for varied measures of achievement.
BEYOND THE SCREEN
Seventh Art Releasing’s diverse catalogue.
In any industry, the importance of finding the right audience cannot be overstated. “The crucial thing is matching the right story with the right audience,” she explains, emphasising that film distribution is far from a one-size-fits-all process. The genre, message, and intended reach of a film all play pivotal roles in determining its release strategy.
“It’s not just about releasing a film; it’s about releasing it at the right time, in the right way, and with the right positioning. Festivals, PR campaigns, and targetted regional strategies can make all the difference.” Though her professional path has taken her far from the shores of Penang, the 23-year-old filmmaker remains grounded by her roots.
“I believe being Malaysian has shaped my worldview in subtle but powerful ways. I’m constantly aware of whose stories get told — and whose don’t.” While her upbringing in Malaysia gave her a worldview shaped by empathy and compassion, it was strengthened further by an incredibly supportive creative community in Los Angeles.
“Mentorship and peer support played a critical role. I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me early on. They opened doors, gave honest feedback, and simply reminded me that I belonged.”
Now, as she continues to navigate the chaotic but often rewarding canals of Hollywood, Tan is committed to paying it forward. “Whether it’s sharing knowledge, making introductions, or offering guidance, building that sense of community is not just important — it’s necessary for a sustainable industry that promotes inclusive growth.”
(Images: Eunice Tan/ Seventh Art Releasing)
