Today we’d like to introduce you to Zizheng “Boris” Liu.
Hi Zizheng “Boris”, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a director-producer currently pursuing my MFA degree in Film & Television Production at USC School of Cinematic Arts. I’m an international student from Beijing, China, with a deep-seated passion for weaving authentic and emotionally resonant narratives. My films predominantly explore themes of identity, representation, and culture, especially those relevant to the Asian diaspora.
My interest in film started when I was interviewing Wang, a Chinese fisherman and cook in Santa Barabra, during my undergrad time at UCSB. “What’s your biggest difficulty, Mr.Wang?” our talk went. “Well, I would say it’s the feeling of loneliness. When there’s no one around you to talk to, no family to go to… But as time goes, and you persist, it’s all going to be okay.” The small wrinkle-framed smile on his face inspired me to document his life, leading to the creation of “The Dumpling King”(2020) named after his dumpling restaurant. It was not only going to be about the dumplings and fishing but also about him: his identity, his loneliness, and his perseverance. Luckily, the film has been selected by the Oscar-qualified film festival, the 35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival and premiered at the Arlington Theatre, the largest movie theater in downtown Santa Barbara on Jan 19th, 2020. Standing on the stage delivering my speech, I was struck by the profound impact of storytelling through film.
While at UCSB, I held the position of President at the International Student Film Association (ISFA) and worked as a contract videographer for the Santa Barbara Independent. After relocating to LA, I interned at Easyfind Pictures and served as a director at TCL Research America’s animation studio before eventually enrolling in the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
At USC, I was able to continue my filming journey. In my second year, I worked as a Lead Student Assistant for Professor Dianne Farrington and was awarded the Edward Thomas Troutner Endowed Student Scholarship for my cinematography in the short film “Going Slow, Really Fast”(2022). As I gained more filming experiences and connections, I realized the importance of producing and recognizing potential from others. Subsequently, I ventured into the producing side of film, leading to accolades such as “Venice Drifting” (2022), which got the Best US Student Film at the 17th Venice Short Film Festival; and “Ebezina” (2023), which got the 1st Runners Up in best producing in the SCA Firstlook program. These experiences have continuously honed my skills and cemented my resolve to tell compelling stories through filmmaking.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Coming to the US at the age of 18 and starting my undergrad at UCSB as an Economics major wasn’t easy for me. I grappled with the suitability of my major and uncertainties about my future. My mother’s words often echoed in my mind during those times: “Life will knock you down numerous times, but whenever you get up, make sure to pick up some sand.” Living in Santa Barbara, close to the ocean, these words took on a literal meaning. No matter where I stumbled, I always had some sand to pick up, haha.
In my quest to find the right path, I transitioned from Economics to Communication and then to Film and Media Studies. This shift sparked my passion for film and eventually guided me toward filmmaking. I’ve come to appreciate that these past uncertainties were essential stepping stones in my college journey. They contributed to shaping my identity and creating the foundation for the person I aspire to be.
My journey in filmmaking continued as I secured a place at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts. The hurdles I faced and the choices I made led me to this path, reinforcing the belief that every stumble, every handful of sand, brings me one step closer to my dreams.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At present, I’ve had the privilege of producing a significant body of work, and the project I’m most proud of is “Ebezina” (2023). Collaborating with the talented director Ifeanyi Ezieme, we made a USC 546 Capastone film about a nine-year-old boy who, guided by spiritual encounters with his late grandfather, learns a song that bridges the emotional gap between him and his mourning father. While the narrative is rooted in Nigerian culture, the themes of grief and familial love transcend borders, resonating universally. Our screening at Eileen Norris Theater at USC in December 2022, after a year of thorough preparation and production, was deeply moving, and I’m immensely proud of our collective efforts.
As I enter my final semester at USC, I look forward to assisting Professor Tom Jacobson, former President of Worldwide Production at Twentieth Century Fox. Concurrently, I am preparing, crewing, and getting funds for my upcoming short film project, “Dragon by the Sea” (2024). Set against the backdrop of Beijing and Santa Barbara, this original film aims to delve into the theme of self-discovery and highlight pressing environmental issues.
Being a proficient filmmaker, in my opinion, requires one to excel in communication, adaptability, and persistence. It’s about navigating conversations, making timely pivots when circumstances demand, and tenaciously pursuing what we believe in. These attributes not only define my approach to filmmaking but also differentiate me from my contemporaries.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Watching movies in theaters, rather than at home, delivers a unique form of joy to me. This immersive cinematic experience, amplified by the large screen and superior sound quality, significantly enriches the storytelling. It not only provides an elevated viewing pleasure but also serves as a constant inspiration and motivation for my filmmaking aspirations. Aside from films, playing soccer provides a physical and mental outlet. For me, soccer is about the thrill of competition, the pleasure of teamwork, and the satisfaction that comes from continually improving my skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zizhengliu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borisldd/
