Today we’d like to introduce you to Liliana Yawen Yang.
Liliana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with art commenced at the tender age of four when my mother played Tchaikovsky’s symphony recording. The enchanting sound of strings ignited my aesthetic sensibility, filling my world with a tapestry of emotions. From that moment on, I embarked on a quest to give voice to these feelings.
My earliest artistic endeavor was drawing, guided by my limited young imagination. I could only draw baby chickens. Observing and sketching these tiny creatures became a cherished pastime. I delighted in caressing their feathers and feeding them, and the day they began to follow me became a cherished memory of my youth. This simple joy inspired me to splash colors on paper and create various images of chickens, yet I soon realized their limitations—they remained static.
As I matured, I yearned to explore art forms that allowed me to express myself through movement. Ballet, piano, singing, and the thrill of performing on stage all beckoned me to explore the vast landscape of artistic expression. From enchanting European piano compositions to the traditional melodies of Chinese opera, my mind overflowed with inspiration. At the age of thirteen, I composed my first original song, eliciting excitement from my music teacher, even though my parents vehemently opposed the idea of a career in music. Their resistance stung, but my passion for art burned unabated.
At fourteen, I left my hometown to chase my artistic dreams in Singapore. Adapting to this new environment presented its challenges, but I quickly found solace in the Chinese orchestra as a flute player. Simultaneously, I began using poetry and photography to document my daily life. It was during this time that I experienced the magic of a Disney musical at Hong Kong Disneyland, igniting a fascination with a new form of storytelling. “What a beautiful way to convey emotions,” I marveled. Encouraged by this newfound inspiration, I ventured into theatrical acting, which eventually led me to the United States.
Despite my parents’ vehement objections to my pursuit of a theatrical major, I compromised and pursued a minor in theatre performance alongside a major in economics. However, my ardor for the art intensified as I delved deeper into theatrical acting and improvisation. Acting became a conduit through which my latent emotions found a subconscious outlet. It felt as though I dwelled within the very tales I brought to life, my spirit fully engulfed by their narratives. Yet, even this immersive experience left me yearning for more.
The moment of revelation finally arrived during my film analysis class while I was engrossed in Pulp Fiction. “The motion picture,” I pondered, “that’s the medium I’ve been searching for.” The ability to harness every facet of artistic expression while also wielding control over time to craft a story was nothing short of astounding. It was at this point that I realized my official journey of conveying emotions through storytelling had begun.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey toward a filmmaking career has been a relentless battle. Just as I began to embrace my role as a storyteller, my world was shaken by my mother’s severe health issues. My college experience became a delicate balancing act, dividing my time between lecture halls, the kitchen, and my mother’s bedside. As the sole child in our family, the mantle of responsibility fell squarely upon my shoulders. Coping with the rigorous demands of coursework and my performance schedule, compounded by the constant stress of caring for my ailing mother, led me to seek professional counseling. There were numerous occasions when my counselor suggested I find assistance in caring for my family members, yet, as the sole family residing in the United States, there was no safety net to rely upon. The haunting question of my mother’s longevity weighed heavily on my mind each night as I lay in bed. Could I still thrive in the world of art under these daunting circumstances?
Every morning, I awoke exhausted from the demands of school, yet it was within the walls of my acting class that I found a lifeline. Immersing myself in characters, I allowed their personas to meld with my own, offering an avenue for the profound sorrow buried deep within me to be released. Through the medium of character, script, and dialogue, I discovered the power to channel my intricate emotions into storytelling. I began to realize a profound truth about narrative artistry: that every moment, whether suffused with joy or sadness, possessed the potential to shape a unique facet of the story. While I couldn’t unravel the mysteries of life and death, I could harness these complex emotions and transform them into distinctive narratives.
Upon graduating from college, I embarked on a dual journey. I assumed the role of a banker, shouldering the financial burdens for my father while simultaneously caring for my ailing mother. In the scant leisure hours that remained, I delved deeply into the world of film, diligently studying its intricacies, embarking on projects, and collaborating with musician friends. Over time, my skills evolved and crystallized. It soon became evident that Boston’s limited filmmaking culture was restricting my artistic growth. It was clear to me that I needed to immerse myself in an environment rich with cinematic creativity, and this realization led me to the vibrant and inspiring world of Los Angeles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now, I’m primarily working as a casting director and actor for various independent projects, all while taking on the roles of director and writer for my own creative ventures. I’m excited to share that my film, “Xiao Bing,” has been making waves in the filmmaking community. It was chosen for the prestigious Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, reached the finals at the Paris International Short Film Festival, and took home the Best Short Film award at the New Jersey International Short Film Festival. “Xiao Bing” has also earned spots in the lineups of several other major California film festivals, including the San Diego International Short Fest, and it’s currently on its festival circuit journey.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion as a storyteller. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with fellow artists who share the same love for storytelling. I want to express my deep appreciation for every opportunity that has come my way and for the support of those who have stood by me during the toughest times. While creating a film can be a challenging and demanding process, the satisfaction of overcoming life’s obstacles to bring my cinematic vision to life is immeasurable.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I find Los Angeles to be an incredibly creative city with an abundance of entertainment resources. I’m truly grateful for the inspiration and learning opportunities I’ve gained from interacting with so many talented artists here. It has significantly expanded my understanding of film and storytelling.
However, it’s worth noting that Los Angeles is also a highly competitive place. It’s home to some of the most renowned creative talents in the world. Nonetheless, I believe that this intense competition can be a driving force for personal and professional growth, ultimately helping you become a stronger filmmaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lilianayang.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilianayyang/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliana-yang-110451102/
- Other: imdb.me/lilianayyang
Image Credits
Shu Studio
