Yusgunawan came from a second-generation Chinese Indonesian family that are mostly merchants. Growing up in an emotionally repressive and authoritative family, he found escape through idealistic-themed Hollywood classics such as Citizen Kane, which motivated him to study filmmaking at the Art Institute of Houston. However, upon entering the advertising industry post-graduation, he found an industry that is fueled by greed and hypocrisy. By channeling his anger and entrapment into personal filmmaking projects, Yus hopes to take his audiences on disturbing but meaningful ride. His dream is to make films that are raw, visceral, and exciting, but ultimately tragic and heartbreaking.