We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sunny Liu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sunny below.
Alright, Sunny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
During the production of my first feature film, Pianoman, I experienced a remarkable outpouring of kindness from those around me. When a family emergency forced me to return to China amidst the lockdown, my friend Zhaowei Hu made an extraordinary gesture. Before we were separated and sent to different quarantine hotels, he handed me nearly $1,800 in Chinese Yuan. This support wasn’t just financial—it was a beacon of stability and reassurance during an incredibly stressful time when Visa cards were useless.
As I prepared to leave for China, I entrusted two-thirds of the film’s footage to my friend Fifi Zhang. Our emotional farewell underscored the deep trust and friendship we shared, and her promise to safeguard the footage was crucial to our project’s success. Meanwhile, Frank Vitale, a filmmaker in his late 70s, took on the immense task of completing our filming in New York. His dedication was extraordinary—waking up at 4 a.m. to capture essential scenes, he showed an unwavering commitment that kept our project on track.
The kindness didn’t stop there. Jasmine Moni Guo and Aleksandar Hadžievski enhanced the film’s score with their exceptional musical talents, while Stephish Szuyu Liu contributed stunning graphic design. Each of these acts of generosity was vital to bringing Pianoman to life, reaffirming the power of collaboration and genuine friendship.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into filmmaking began with a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and telling impactful stories. This passion first emerged through my documentary series All My Friends Have Stories, where I explored themes such as immigrant struggles and the stigma of incarceration. These themes continued 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 enable me to push creative boundaries and foster innovative collaborations. Projects with PBS highlight 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 globally.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
In 2019, a hand injury led me to shift from performing piano to teaching. I began offering private piano lessons on weekends and group classes during weekdays. This transition proved both financially and personally transformative, allowing me to save the capital needed to invest in filmmaking equipment, including my first cinema camera and professional sound mixer.
Teaching piano not only provided the necessary funds but also deepened my connection with students from diverse backgrounds. Engaging with students from all walks of life—some from affluent backgrounds and others from less privileged ones—taught me invaluable lessons in empathy and the importance of equitable access to education and resources.
One memorable moment was working with young children, aged 2 to 5, at daycare centers. Their enthusiasm and joy reminded me of my own love for music and the transformative power of simple, shared experiences. Using stickers on the keyboard to teach them notes and witnessing their excitement as they played a tune rekindled my passion for music. This period was deeply healing for me, and although I couldn’t play the piano as I once did, playing simple tunes like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with one hand made me feel like a rock star in their eyes. Their genuine joy was profoundly fulfilling and laid the foundation for my filmmaking career, solidifying my commitment to storytelling and community connection.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound emotional connection that storytelling can create. With Pianoman, we didn’t just make a film—we crafted a narrative that speaks to our shared human experiences of resilience and hope. This journey began at Interlochen Arts Academy, where we pursued music with unwavering determination despite language barriers. Although my path shifted due to a hand injury, my passion for music has always connected us. After studying at institutions like NYU, Emerson College, The New School, SVA, and UCLA, we reunited to bring Pianoman to life.
Witnessing the factory’s new partnership with Juilliard and how David Avendano’s story resonated beyond our expectations was incredibly fulfilling. Our impact campaign, in collaboration with Film Fatales, Asian American Documentary Network, and Brown Girls Doc Mafia, aims to amplify this narrative of cultural and artistic resilience. Staying connected with David and his family, especially celebrating Theo’s scholarship to The School of American Ballet, reaffirms my belief in storytelling’s transformative power. It’s a reminder of how art can bridge divides, inspire change, and connect us on a deeply human level, celebrating our shared humanity through the stories we tell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://metalmagazine.eu/en/post/sunny-liu-voicing-the-marginalised
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnyliusunny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnyliusl
- Other: Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/788171533/06b51db631https://www.instagram.com/pianomanfilm/Press:
https://www.theyonkersledger.com/culture/documentary-feature-film-pianoman-makes-music-in-yonkers/40184/