See America
Bowen Zheng
Advisor: Tiri Kananuruk
Through See America, I leverage long-form video storytelling to resist the short-form algorithmic constraints of Douyin, examining American culture from an outsider’s perspective. This project challenges traditional narrative boundaries, inspires audience-driven creativity, and sparks meaningful cross-cultural dialogue about identity, belonging, and the transformative potential of digital storytelling.
Project Description
See America is a multimedia exploration of cultural identity, storytelling, and the nuanced experience of viewing America through the lens of an outsider. Driven by my own perspective as a content creator from China, this ongoing project primarily revolves around documentary-style long-form video production, intentionally challenging the algorithm-driven, short-video conventions of Douyin (the Chinese TikTok). By producing and sharing longer, thoughtful narratives on a platform known for brief, ephemeral content, my work actively resists and reshapes viewer expectations and engagement patterns.
Each weekend, I immerse myself in a new state, capturing vivid details—from architecture and local cuisine to candid interactions and personal reflections. Alongside videos, intimate film photography and interactive live streaming enrich the narrative, inviting deeper reflection and immediate audience participation. The resulting engagement has sparked considerable resonance on Douyin, reaching wide audiences and inspiring followers to document and interpret their own lives from unique, personal perspectives.
The project culminates in an interactive website, serving as both a global access point and lasting digital archive. Ultimately, See America transcends a personal travelogue; it challenges conventional cultural perceptions, stimulates cross-cultural dialogue, and empowers audiences—especially young adults, aspiring artists, and cultural explorers—to reconsider belonging, identity, and the potential of storytelling within a digitally connected yet fragmented media landscape.
Technical Details
Video Production:
Camera Equipment: Sony A7S III, DJI Pocket 2
Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve (for color grading)
Format: Long-form documentary-style videos (average duration 8–15 minutes), optimized for vertical viewing on Douyin (Chinese TikTok)
Film Photography:
Equipment: Leica M6, Kodak Portra 400 & Fujifilm Pro400H
Digitization: Epson V600 scanner, Adobe Photoshop for minor adjustments
Live Streaming:
Platform: Douyin Live
Setup: Smartphone-based, enhanced with external audio microphone (RODE Wireless Go II) and ring lighting
Web Design:
Platform: Custom-built website using Wix
Interactive features: Video gallery, embedded maps, photographic archive, and audience engagement tools (polls, comments section)
Distribution:
Primary Platform: Douyin (Chinese TikTok), intentionally using long-form content to challenge platform conventions and foster deeper engagement
Supplementary Platforms: Official project website, Instagram (for selected photographs), Weibo (for community interaction)
Research/Context
See America is influenced by the tradition of artistic and documentary road-trip narratives, echoing the approach of photographers like Stephen Shore, whose seminal series American Surfaces and Uncommon Places highlighted the beauty and peculiarity of everyday American life. My project draws on Shore’s emphasis on visual authenticity and cultural observation but extends it into the digital age, addressing contemporary social media dynamics and the tension between short-form consumption and meaningful storytelling.
Contextually, this project responds to the algorithm-driven culture of Douyin (Chinese TikTok), which prioritizes rapid engagement through brief and sensational content. By consciously creating and sharing long-form, reflective videos, I challenge the constraints of the platform, exploring new possibilities for deeper audience interaction and engagement. Additionally, inspired by content creators like Ben TK and Casey Neistat—who merge personal storytelling with cinematic production—I use vivid visual storytelling techniques to invite viewers into a narrative that combines self-reflection, cultural comparison, and immersive travelogue experiences.
Moreover, the project's resonance on Douyin indicates a growing desire among audiences for substantive, reflective digital content. The enthusiastic response and subsequent rise of viewer-generated content suggest that, despite platform pressures, authentic narratives can inspire individuals to engage creatively, enriching the broader ecosystem of digital storytelling.