Yingna (Helena) Wu

Helena Yingna Wu is a Telly-award-winning filmmaker.  She used to work for China Global TV Network as a documentary director and producer.

Between 2012 and 2019, Helena was based in Nairobi, Kenya. She served as the Series Producer & Chief Editor for the weekly TV show, "FACES OF AFRICA".  She produced around 200 episodes across 30 countries in collaboration with film production companies in Africa and Europe.

 This critically acclaimed documentary series has been recognised across the globe by organisations including UNESCO, The Independent, Outside Magazine, Villanova University, Gapeli Action (Switzerland) and The Borgen Project. The show “provides a refreshing antidote to the stale old clichés” on African people, according to Michael Donovan, former AP Bureau Chief in Johannesburg. 

​Helena directed around 20 documentaries in China and Africa. In 2019, her work "The Island" won “Best Medium Documentary” at the Heritales - IV International Heritage Film Festival (Portugal). She participated in judging the 41st Annual Telly Awards in 2020. 

​Helena graduated from ArtCenter College of Design in Dec. 2023, with a MFA degree in film. Her student film, "The Counseling", has been widely recognised by various film festivals in the US and Canada.

​This new path has opened up a wonderland that she’s ready and exhilarated to explore.