Zhijie Cao (born April 4, 1997) is a writer, director from Xian, China. She graduated from Central South University in Changsha with a bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television. In college she began making short films, directing stage plays, and developing a passion for storytelling.

She attended London Film School, directing three short films, including the independent short ‘Bird and Whale’ (2021), and ‘Salt’ (2023) while exploring and refining her cinematic style.

As a filmmaker, Zhijie’s films centre on realism, female voices, and burgeoning sexuality.