At just 23, Eunice has achieved what many seasoned professionals in the film industry can only dream of. Rising from a casting assistant to Senior Vice President at 7th Art Releasing, her journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a fierce commitment to amplifying underrepresented stories on a global stage.
Her path wasn’t easy. Originally from Malaysia, Eunice moved to the United States as a transfer student at the University of Texas at Austin. Traveling alone with no support system or connections, she found herself navigating an unfamiliar culture and starting from scratch. “The transition was overwhelming, and still is, but I adapted quickly, trust in my vision, and continue to move forward,” she says.
Her career began unexpectedly when she knocked on the door of a production company near the computer hardware store where she interned. “At first, there was no response, but I stayed persistent—following up until I finally earned my chance,” Eunice recalls.
Guided by industry mentors like renowned photographer Ray Eoh and 7th Art Releasing founder Udy Epstein, Eunice quickly rose through the ranks. “Udy’s story of building something extraordinary from scratch resonates deeply with me,” she says. “His kindness and vision inspire me to stay grounded while chasing my own dreams.”
As a young leader in a field often dominated by older professionals, Eunice has embraced the challenges of being a trailblazer. “It’s not about discarding established methods but bridging generational gaps with fresh ideas,” she explains. For instance, she successfully revamped 7th Art Releasing’s 20-year-old website into a modern platform that better reflects the company’s vision and meets contemporary audience needs.
Despite her successes, Eunice has faced her share of challenges. “Early on, there were moments when my ideas were ignored, only to be acknowledged later when presented by someone older or male,” she reflects. “These moments strengthened my resolve to lead by example and prove that capability isn’t defined by age or gender.”
Eunice’s impact on independent and niche filmmaking is already significant. She recently organized 130 screenings for Legend of Destruction, a historical drama about the destruction of Jerusalem’s temples, timed with a key Jewish commemoration. Directed by Gidi Dar and featuring the voices of Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly, Elliott Gould, and Billy Zane, the film’s campaign was a masterclass in aligning a project’s themes with its audience.
“While our approach wasn’t groundbreaking, we focused on consistent, targeted efforts to connect with organizations and institutions aligned with the film’s message,” Eunice explains.
Her vision for the future of film distribution is equally ambitious, blending traditional storytelling with modern technology. “Imagine pairing an abstract art piece with a film brought to life using augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR),” Eunice envisions. “It’s risky, but innovation often comes with uncertainty.”
Driven by a passion for amplifying authentic voices, Eunice champions indie filmmaking as a medium that dares to be different. “Indie films push boundaries and tell stories in ways the mainstream won’t,” she says.
Eunice, who is also pursuing her Master’s in Business, believes this additional education will bring a valuable perspective to her work. “It’s equipping me with tools to navigate both the creative and operational sides of the industry,” she shares.
For those navigating competitive fields, Eunice offers this advice: “Leadership isn’t about giving orders—it’s about inspiring others through your actions. Stay curious, work hard, and embrace challenges as opportunities.”
Her journey, still in its early stages, serves as an inspiration to a new generation of filmmakers and leaders. “This is far from the final chapter—it’s a stepping stone in a larger process of growth,” Eunice reflects. “Each step builds toward making a greater influence and creating a lasting impact.”
Eunice is not just breaking barriers in the film industry; she’s redefining what it means to lead with vision, innovation, and inclusivity.
