Voices of Humanity

Voices of Humanity

Sunny Liu shares her passion for documentary filmmaking, and the deeply human stories it can bring to light.

When did you know you wanted to become a filmmaker, and what influenced you to take this path?

I never envisioned I would become a filmmaker. In my youth, my creative world revolved around the piano. I performed often with my childhood friend, an extraordinary opera singer. We shared a profound connection, and I dreamed of sharing the stage with her as she pursued her singing career. But life has a way of surprising us, and our paths took an unexpected turn when she decided to attend acting school.

In an effort to stay close and support her aspirations, I made a bold career shift from pianist to filmmaker. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a profound transformation. Our lives unfolded in diverse countries and cultures, and our journeys diverged as we both individually evolved. This separation was emotionally challenging, leaving me searching for something to fill the void. It was during this period of introspection and personal growth that I discovered my deep-seated passion for filmmaking. The craft consumed me, and I became driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to master the diverse skill set required for film production.

Through hard work and persistence I went on to achieve the first major milestone in my filmmaking journey, the creation of the documentary film series “All My Friends Have Stories.” Through this project, and many more that have followed, I’ve realized that for me filmmaking is not just a career; it's a way of expressing the stories and experiences that have touched my life. It has allowed me to connect with others on a profound level, and I've found a creative outlet and sense of purpose through this art form.

Looking back, I remain deeply grateful to my friend, who inadvertently led me into the enchanting world of filmmaking. Looking ahead, I'm committed to further honing my skills and bringing impactful stories to life.

Still from *ALl my Friends have stories*

Has your background in music had any influence on your approach to filmmaking?

I feel my background in music has etched into my soul the values of emotion, connection, and the art of storytelling. As a young dreamer, my aspiration was never to become a virtuoso pianist for the ages, but rather a masterful accompanist. My piano was the vessel through which I conveyed the unspoken emotions, feelings, and love I held for someone deeply cherished. The musical notes were my language of affection.

Thanks to the guidance of my extraordinary piano instructors, my technical prowess flourished. Yet beneath this veneer of technicality lay a different, more profound goal - the pursuit of collaboration. It was through this collaborative spirit that I hoped to bridge the chasm between my heart and the world, sharing my feelings through the harmonies and melodies of my music.

This philosophy, carried through the melodies of my life, has seamlessly woven itself into my approach to filmmaking. I've never been fixated on capturing perfect shots, pristine lighting, or impeccable angles. Instead, my unwavering focus remains on the timeless art of storytelling and the profound connection it creates.

In many ways, music and filmmaking share a common thread. Just as I used music to convey my innermost sentiments, I view filmmaking as a medium through which I can explore human stories and emotions. It’s not about perfection, but the evocation of profound feelings. It's about touching the hearts and minds of my audience through the power of storytelling.

As I journey into the boundless realm of filmmaking, I am reminded of the words of the great conductor Leonard Bernstein: 'To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.' My music-infused approach to filmmaking guides me on a path where emotion, connection, and storytelling continue to be the heartbeat of my creative endeavors.

What draws you to documentary-style filmmaking,?

For me, documentary-style filmmaking is a journey into the heart of the human experience. It's an art form that allows me to intimately explore the lives, hearts, and challenges of real people. I'm captivated by the raw, unscripted narratives that unfold before my lens, and the opportunity to use my craft to shed light on their stories.

Narrative filmmaking on the other hand, while an art in its own right, has always felt like a backdrop to the real show for me. What I find most interesting in this realm is the crew—the incredible professionals who bring a vision to life. I'm endlessly fascinated by the collaborative synergy on set, watching each member of the team perform their unique skills, and the collective effort it takes to craft a narrative.

But what truly ignites my passion for [documentary] filmmaking is the privilege of connecting with individuals on a profoundly personal level. It's not just about capturing their experiences; it's about becoming a part of their journey and, in turn, inviting them into my own life. The camera becomes a bridge, connecting our worlds, and we share the weight of life's unexpected surprises, encountering and exploring them together.

The process becomes a collaborative dance between myself and the subjects I follow. It's a dynamic exchange, where they invite me into their world with open arms, trusting me to tell their stories. This connection, born of consent and respect, is an incredible source of inspiration, and a testament to the transformative power of filmmaking. In this art form, I have found my calling—a way to reach into the hearts of others, to be a part of their lives, and to illuminate the extraordinary stories that exist all around us.

What are some of the projects you’ve worked on that you feel express this calling?

One project that occupies a paramount position in my career is the feature film "Pianoman," a cinematic odyssey that delves deep into the lives of an undocumented family navigating a tumultuous journey laden with adversity and challenge. What truly distinguishes this work for me is its commitment to portraying their story with unwavering authenticity and empathy. The film unfolds in a cinema-verité style, offering viewers a unique lens through which to observe the struggles faced by immigrants. I feel this work serves as a testament to the extraordinary ability of film to ensure that voices of marginalized communities are not just heard but also understood, fostering empathy and a shared understanding of the human experience.

Watch the trailer for PIANOMAN

My filmmaking journey was also significantly shaped during my tenure as an assistant to the renowned cinematography teacher, Bob Richman. One of the most impactful experiences during this time was my contribution to the creation of a documentary by Gaylen Ross, which shed light on the harrowing story of Antonio Yarbough, a man wrongfully incarcerated for nearly two decades. It was during the course of this project that Antonio and I began discussing the prospect of establishing our own production company, with a particular focus on narratives centered around life behind bars.

Fast forward to the present, and I have the distinct privilege of serving as the Vice President of Antonio's film production company, S3. Together we are committed to crafting compelling narratives that illuminate the stories of those living behind bars, giving voice to individuals who have been silenced for far too long. Through this role I have discovered a profound sense of purpose within the realm of filmmaking, as we advocate for justice and make a difference in the lives of those who have long been marginalized.

These projects, each possessing its own unique resonance, epitomize my dedication to using the medium of film to tell stories that resonate deeply, educate, and ultimately inspire transformative change.

You are also working on a new venture involving post-production technologies—can you share a little about this?

Yes I’m currently deeply engaged in the development of an innovative AI-driven application called YoPo, which promises to revolutionize the world of Visual Media Arts post-production. Our mission with YoPo is to marry efficiency and artistic brilliance, catering to the diverse needs of industry professionals and passionate enthusiasts alike. The seeds of this groundbreaking project were sown during our work on "Pianoman," as we grappled with the time-consuming nature of post-production, particularly in the meticulous process of selecting the perfect footage and soundtracks. While collaborating with our COO, Jasmine Moni Guo, we found ourselves immersed in the intricate challenges of the entertainment landscape, where non-artistic tasks often consumed an inordinate amount of creative time.

This pain point became the driving force behind YoPo's inception, as we saw an opportunity to redefine post-production through AI, addressing a gap in the market that others had overlooked. To bring our vision to life, we sought the expertise of AI scientist Tianfu Fu, a prominent Facebook research scientist. His technical insights played a pivotal role in refining our groundbreaking solution.

At the core of YoPo's philosophy is the idea of harmonizing artistic needs with technological innovation, enriching creative processes without supplanting them. The result is an innovative tool that enhances the creative journey and brings unprecedented efficiency to the world of filmmaking.

What are your ultimate visions and aspirations as a filmmaker, and what impact do you hope to achieve through your work?

I strive to convey a simple yet profound belief: that every individual possesses a unique story, and every one of them deserves the opportunity to share it with the world. It's about unlocking the potential of storytelling to bridge divides, dissolve stereotypes, and celebrate the richness of the human experience.

At the core of my cinematic journey lies this unshakable devotion to storytelling, with a particular focus on narratives that resonate with marginalized and underrepresented communities. Whether it's the experiences of immigrants, prisoners, people with disabilities, or the wisdom of older generations, I'm drawn to the diverse tapestry of human life. This passion serves as the driving force behind my creative process, compelling me to delve into the intricate narratives that are often overlooked. For me, storytelling transcends mere artistic expression; it's a solemn commitment to giving voice to those whose stories have been historically silenced.

I believe that the power of film lies in its capacity to shed light on the lives, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who, for far too long, have remained in the shadows of mainstream narratives. It's about revealing the shared humanity that connects us all, irrespective of our backgrounds or circumstances. Looking ahead, I am fervently dedicated to making a global impact through inclusive storytelling. I aspire to create narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide, transcending boundaries and fostering empathy. It's my fervent hope that through the lens of film, we can challenge preconceptions, advocate for social change, and amplify the voices of those who deserve to be heard.