We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zizheng “Boris” Liu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zizheng “Boris” below.
Zizheng “Boris”, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
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 as an Asian American in the U.S.. 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.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a storyteller and filmmaker from Beijing, China, I am deeply passionate about weaving authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. My path led me to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where I had the honor of serving as a Teaching Assistant to Tom Jacobson, the former President of 21st Century Fox, and Dianne Farrington of Local 600. I am also thrilled to share that my producing works “Ebezina” (2023) received the Jury Award at the esteemed 29th DGA Student Film Awards, while “Venice Drifting” (2022) earned the Best US Student Film at the 17th Venice Short Film Festival. Additionally, my own directing and producing film, “Stairway” (2023), also made its mark by being selected for the Oscar and BAFTA-qualified 27th LA Shorts.
Having recently completed my MFA at USC, I also finished my latest short film, “Echoes of the Sea” (2024). Drawing inspiration from the Santa Barbara oil spills, this film is a unique blend of environmental urgency with an ancient dragon myth, crafted to captivate audiences and highlight critical environmental issues. My mission is clearer now: to create films that not only speak to people’s hearts but also raise awareness about environmental concerns. Through the lens of magical realism, I aspire to ignite conversations and inspire change, continuing on my path of creating impactful and meaningful cinema.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I reflect on my journey as a filmmaker, one key quality is kindness towards people. In an industry that’s often fast-paced and high-pressure, treating everyone with respect and compassion has been fundamental. I think that kindness can be one’s greatest strength.
Equally important is adaptability and resilience, especially in roles as a director and producer. These positions demand a high degree of flexibility, as unexpected challenges and problems are common on set. Whether it’s adjusting to last-minute script changes, managing tight budgets, or handling unforeseen production issues, being able to quickly adapt and find solutions is crucial. It’s about staying calm under pressure and thinking on your feet. For aspiring filmmakers, developing this skill set is vital. It prepares you not only to handle the rigors of filmmaking but also to excel in creatively bringing stories to life.
Lastly, empathy and cultural sensitivity have been integral to my storytelling. Understanding and authentically portraying diverse narratives have allowed me to connect more with audiences.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Since graduating from USC, I’ve faced the dual challenge of finding a job that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding, while also pursuing my dream of making a feature film “Dragon by the Sea”. This journey, shared by many of my peers, was put into perspective during a class with Professor Daniel Noah last semester in his class. He taught us that the uncertainty and ambiguity in our creative paths are essential elements of the art itself. His words struck a chord with me. He also said that job hunting is frustrating, but it’s also an adventure filled with endless possibilities. This mindset has shifted my perspective, turning my challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity. As I navigate this phase, I’m learning to embrace the unknown, finding inspiration in the very process of exploration and discovery. I hope this can resonate with others too.
Contact Info:
- Website: zizhengliu.com
- Instagram: borisldd
