Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Liu
Hi Sunny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into filmmaking began with a deep commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and telling impactful stories. This passion first manifested through my documentary series All My Friends Have Stories, where I explored themes such as immigrant struggles and the stigma of incarceration. These themes continue to resonate in my debut feature film, Pianoman, which chronicles David Avendano’s inspiring journey as an undocumented immigrant who established a piano factory in Yonkers, NY.
My diverse skills in directing, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound mixing allow me to push creative boundaries and foster innovative collaborations. Projects like those with PBS underscore my dedication to impactful storytelling and community engagement. Influential mentors such as Bob Eisenhardt, Beth Hoppe, Tom Hurwitz, Micah Fink, JT Takagi, and Thom Powers have guided and inspired me, shaping my approach to crafting narratives that resonate on a global scale.
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?
The journey has certainly been challenging, with each obstacle transforming into a valuable learning experience. Creating Pianoman was deeply personal, reflecting both the immigrant experiences we aimed to portray and our own transformative journey. Our story began at Interlochen Arts Academy, where, despite limited English, we pursued music with unwavering determination. Although my path shifted due to a hand injury after a piano concert, our shared passion for music always connected us. After studying at institutions like NYU, Emerson College, The New School, SVA, and UCLA, we reunited to bring Pianoman to life.
The documentary chronicles David Avendano’s extraordinary journey as an undocumented Mexican immigrant establishing a piano factory in Yonkers. Facing significant challenges, David’s resilience and determination are central to the story, exploring hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of music. Recently, the factory forged a new partnership with the Juilliard School of Music, bringing immense joy and pride to the entire team.
Our impact campaign, in collaboration with Film Fatales, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and the Asian American Documentary Network, aims to spotlight this story of cultural resilience and artistic transformation. Through David’s journey and our collective effort, we strive to inspire and build meaningful connections within our community. Every challenge has deepened my commitment to storytelling, reinforcing my belief in its power to drive change and forge connections.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in amplifying underrepresented voices and using film to foster empathy. My documentary Pianoman exemplifies how powerful storytelling can inspire change and build connections. I’m particularly proud of my ongoing relationship with David Avendano and his family. Witnessing their resilience and achievements, including David’s son Theo earning a scholarship to The School of American Ballet, has been profoundly fulfilling. Their journey embodies the transformative potential of storytelling and the impact of genuine human connection, which I strive to capture in every project.
Transitioning from a trained pianist to a filmmaker, I bring a unique rhythm and melody to my storytelling. My musical background significantly shapes my filmmaking, allowing me to craft each frame with precision and emotional depth, much like composing a piece of music. This harmonious blend of music and film enables me to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences, evoking powerful emotions and fostering meaningful connections.
What were you like growing up?
My artistic journey began with a deep connection to music, particularly the piano. Growing up, my childhood friend, a remarkable opera singer, and I shared the stage, intertwining our dreams in harmonious melodies. However, life’s unpredictable turns led her toward acting, and our paths diverged. In a bid to support her aspirations and maintain our bond, I started exploring cinema, which ignited a profound transformation within me.
This transition was not merely a career shift but a soul-stirring journey. Filmmaking emerged as my newfound passion during a period of introspection, serving as a beacon of purpose. My musical background instilled in me the essence of emotional storytelling. Just as my piano conveyed unspoken emotions, filmmaking became my canvas for expressing untold stories. It’s not about perfect frames but the emotive connection that transcends boundaries.
The parallels between music and filmmaking are striking. Collaboration and storytelling remain at their core, bridging the emotional gap between heart and audience. Looking forward, my goal is to continue crafting impactful narratives through filmmaking, evoking emotions, forging connections, and leaving an indelible mark on audiences through timeless storytelling, while staying true to the essence of my musical roots.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://metalmagazine.eu/post/sunny-liu-voicing-the-marginalised
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnyliusunny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnyliusl/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/788171533/06b51db631
