10 Questions with Sunny Liu

Sunny Liu is a highly accomplished and acclaimed creative force, recognized as an award-winning filmmaker, pianist/composer, and animator. With an unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented, her work captivates audiences through the power of intimate storytelling. Based in New York, Sunny's diverse skill set encompasses the roles of producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and production sound mixer.

Her artistic prowess is complemented by an impressive educational background. Sunny holds a Bachelor's degree from the prestigious Emerson College in Boston, a Master's in Music from The New School in New York City, and a second Master's in Documentary Filmmaking from the renowned School of Visual Arts, also located in New York City. With these qualifications, she has honed her abilities in various creative domains and continues to push the boundaries of her craft.

Sunny's remarkable talent has garnered widespread recognition. Her animated film, "Calling," left a lasting impression at the esteemed Doc NYC Film Festival. Additionally, her debut feature film, "Pianoman," received the honor of being selected for The China Academy Awards of Documentary Film and triumphed as the Best Feature Documentary Film at The Nepal American International Film Festival. Through her fearless dedication to shedding light on stories that deserve to be heard, Sunny Liu's creative journey continues to inspire and touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.

@sunnyliusunny

Pianoman | Project description

Pianoman weaves a captivating tale of an undocumented family navigating a path filled with hardships that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through its sensitive cinema verite style, the film sheds light on significant social issues, offering a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond trauma. It takes viewers on an emotional journey, capturing moments of raw pain as well as poignant tenderness.

The team behind Pianoman passionately believes that David's story will strike a chord with audiences, resonating profoundly and encouraging viewers to find elements of their own lives within the narrative. The film's appeal extends to those interested in civil rights, social justice, immigration issues, the power of music, or the artistry of piano making.

The process of creating Pianoman was transformative for the team, providing them with clarity about their own beliefs and values. They consider themselves incredibly fortunate to have encountered David and received permission to document his life and his family. His story mirrors their experiences profoundly, evoking a deep resonance within them. With this film, they aspire to connect and inspire others who have undergone similar journeys, fostering a sense of unity and shared strength.

INTERVIEW

Please, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your history and your artistic background?

I'm Sunny Liu, a versatile filmmaker, pianist, and animator based in New York City. My artistic journey is fueled by the power of intimate storytelling and amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals. As a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and sound mixer, I immerse myself in various creative aspects.
Learning from esteemed professionals like Tom Hurwitz, Bob Richman, JT Takagi, and Amitabh Joshi has enriched my understanding of the craft and shaped my artistic vision. Working as a director, cinematographer, and editor for Arium TV, I've had the privilege of capturing the narratives of remarkable individuals such as Milad Yousufi, Molly Carr, and Audrey Vardanega, reinforcing my commitment to meaningful storytelling.
With a Bachelor's degree from Emerson College and Master's degrees in Music from The New School and Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts, I've been recognized for my work. My animated film "Calling" was screened at the Doc NYC Film Festival, and my debut feature film "Pianoman" was selected for The China Academy Awards of Documentary Film.
Driven by unwavering commitment, I utilize my talents to shed light on meaningful stories and perspectives, giving a voice to the underrepresented. Through filmmaking, my goal is to create impactful content that fosters empathy, understanding, and positive change.

You have an exciting career, working on many productions and interesting projects. How did you get interested in filmmaking in the first place?

I was drawn to filmmaking because of my deep fascination with the diverse stories of the people around me. Whether it's the intriguing individuals I meet at the local coffee shop or the immensely talented friends I grew up with, their backgrounds and experiences inspire me to share their narratives with a wider audience. This passion led me to create the documentary series 'All My Friends, Have Stories.' Through this series, I aim to capture the essence of my friends' unique journeys and provide a platform for their voices to be heard and appreciated. By sharing their stories, I hope to broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and promote understanding. Each person's story has the power to inspire and educate others while celebrating the beauty of human connections. 'All My Friends, Have Stories' is a heartfelt celebration of friendship, the art of storytelling, and the power of shared experiences.

Pianoman, Poster, 7200 × 10800 px, 2023 © Sunny Liu | Design by Stephish Liu

What is your favorite memory as an artist so far among the different experiences, collaborations, and projects you worked on? And what is your biggest achievement so far?

One of my favorite memories as an artist was collaborating with Arium TV and connecting with Milad Yousufi, an extraordinary Afghan refugee composer, poet, and painter. This collaboration exemplified the power of documentary filmmaking, allowing me to share impactful stories and forge meaningful connections. Another cherished memory is teaching media skills to Mandarin-speaking seniors in New York City during my time with Third World Newsreel. Empowering and supporting them in their media education journey was incredibly fulfilling. My involvement as a sound mixer with Positive Exposure and Diplodocus stands out in terms of achievements. Through these organizations, I contribute to transforming how medical information is presented to healthcare professionals and communities, promoting understanding and inclusivity. These experiences have shaped me as an artist and advocate, reminding me of the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes and create a more compassionate world.

Do you find that living in New York gives you a great advantage in your chosen career path? And how is the city influencing your work and the themes you incorporate?

Living in New York City has provided me with significant advantages in my chosen career path as a filmmaker. The vibrant art communities in the city have offered immense support and inspiration throughout my journey. Collaborating with talented mentors like Micah Fink, Beth Hoppe, and Carole Dean has been instrumental in my artistic development.
Micah Fink, award-winning producer, director, and writer, stood by me from pre-production to post-production for my first feature film, "Pianoman." Beth Hoppe, a Lead Creative, ABC News Studios, generously offered mentorship and valuable feedback, even sharing my work with colleagues. Carole Dean, the President of From the Heart Productions, has provided unwavering support, which led to my winning of The Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling.
These mentors and the artistic communities in New York City have shaped my artistic path, emphasizing the power of collaboration and mentorship in creating meaningful films. I am grateful for their belief in my talent and dedication to nurturing emerging filmmakers like myself.

Pianoman, Still, 3840 × 2160 px, 2023 © Sunny Liu

And how do you approach and work on a new project? Can you walk us through the production of one of your films?

When approaching a new project, my process begins by seeking out captivating characters who intrigue me. For example, I met Maamoun Tobbo, a talented Lebanese architect and set designer, during a friend's thesis film. His personal journey and the challenges faced by his family caught my attention, inspiring me to explore his story further.
To establish a strong connection with my subjects, I engage in meaningful conversations and create a comfortable environment where they can share their experiences. I capture authentic moments, allowing scenes to unfold naturally and embracing spontaneity. Drawing from my background in piano performance, I remain calm and responsive, even during intense and dramatic moments.
I meticulously piece together the footage in the editing room, weaving it into a cohesive narrative. Through careful selection and arrangement, I highlight the essence of the story and delve into the intricacies of the subject's journey. The result is a cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Let's talk about Pianoman. Where did you find inspiration for this project? As you are also a musician, are there any references to your personal experiences in this or other projects?

"Pianoman" is a deeply personal project that draws inspiration from my own experiences as a musician. As a trained pianist, the piano holds a special place in my heart, serving as a means of expression and communication. When I could not continue my piano career due to an injury, I discovered the power of cinema verite and storytelling.
Entering David Avendano's piano factory for the first time with a camera felt like a second chance to connect with my passion. While it was not the same as playing the piano, telling a story through visual images became a meaningful way to express my love and appreciation for this instrument. David's statement, "The piano is my family," resonated deeply with me, as the piano had also become a part of my identity and source of solace.
In "Pianoman," I embraced the role of a storyteller rather than just a filmmaker. I aimed to share the stories of individuals and subjects I deeply care about. Through the lens of verite scenes, I invited the audience to immerse themselves in David's world, allowing them to witness his struggles and challenges as an undocumented immigrant in America. By capturing the detailed restoration process in the piano factory, I sought to symbolize the resilience and determination of immigrants who come to the US to rebuild their lives and pursue a better future.

In your statement, you mention how with your work, you aim to "give a voice to the underrepresented." What does it mean, in your opinion? And how is it reflected in your work?

In our project "Pianoman," our core creative team, comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds, aims to give a voice to the underrepresented. Jasmine Moni Guo's evocative music connects emotionally with the film's narrative and represents our shared dreams as pianists. Stephish Szuyu Liu's design captures the essence of the story, depicting the piano as a haven for David's family. Fifi Zhang's editing ensures the authentic representation of underrepresented voices. Together, we strive to create a film that empowers and uplifts marginalized communities, challenging systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity. "Pianoman" serves as a platform to amplify their stories and make a positive impact.

What themes and messages do you want to address with your work? And what do you think makes you unique?

In "Pianoman," we explore immigration, family separation, labor, and generational trauma, aiming to deeply resonate with audiences. Our personal connection and diverse backgrounds bring authenticity and empathy to these themes.
Meeting David, whose story mirrors our own experiences, has inspired us to connect and inspire others facing similar challenges. We present social issues with nuance and empathy, leveraging our unique perspective as trained pianists.
Through intricate storytelling, we invite critical engagement and reflection, raising awareness, fostering empathy, and sparking meaningful conversations about the film's core social issues. Our goal is to make a lasting impact and give a voice to the underrepresented.

Pianoman, Poster, 4800 × 7200 px, 2023 © Sunny Liu | Design by Stephish Liu

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

We're working on a feature documentary highlighting female conductors in the classical world. We aim to showcase their challenges and triumphs through interviews and immersive footage, inspiring future generations. This project reflects our commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in the music industry.

And finally, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

In five years, I aim to make a significant impact in documentary filmmaking. My work will focus on thought-provoking films that amplify underrepresented voices and address social issues. I strive to inspire change, foster empathy, and promote social justice through storytelling. I will actively seek collaborations with diverse filmmakers and organizations to broaden the reach and influence of my work. By forging meaningful partnerships, I aim to create platforms for engagement and dialogue.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact locally and globally, contributing to a more equitable and compassionate society. With unwavering dedication, I am excited to witness the positive transformations my work can bring about in the years ahead.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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