We recently connected with Zizheng “Boris” Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zizheng “Boris” thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

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.

Zizheng “Boris”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a director-producer currently pursuing my MFA degree in Film & Television Production at USC School of Cinematic Arts. As an international student from Beijing, China, I have a deep-seated passion for weaving authentic and emotionally resonant narratives. My films predominantly explore themes of identity, representation, and culture, especially those relevant to the Asian diaspora. I’m currently in the post-production and fundraising stage of my final project Echoes of the Sea at USC’s film MFA film program. Echoes of the Sea is a short film that weaves environmental urgency with an ancient dragon myth, which aims to captivate the audience and underscores the importance of environmental issues.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Coming to the US at the age of 18, I grappled with the suitability of my major and uncertainties about my future. My mother’s words often echoed in my mind during those times: “Life will knock you down numerous times, but whenever you get up, make sure to pick up some sand.” Living in Santa Barbara, close to the ocean, these words took on a literal meaning. No matter where I stumbled, I always had some sand to pick up, haha.

In my journey to find the right path, I transitioned from Economics to Communication and then to Film and Media Studies. This shift sparked my passion for film and eventually guided me toward filmmaking. I’ve come to appreciate that these past uncertainties were essential stepping stones in my college journey.

My journey in filmmaking continued as I secured a place at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts. The hurdles I faced and the choices I made led me to this path, reinforcing the belief that every stumble, every handful of sand, brings me one step closer to my dreams.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My overarching mission in my creative journey is to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives, particularly those of Asian Americans, who have historically faced barriers in mainstream filmmaking. Asian American filmmakers often grapple with stereotyping, limited representation, and the challenge of authentically portraying their rich and diverse cultures in a landscape that has, for long, leaned towards a homogenized narrative. With projects like Echoes of the Sea, I aim to weave stories that not only resonate with universal themes—like the environment—but also subtly introduce elements of Asian folklore, bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding. By integrating our unique experiences and heritage into the broader cinematic tapestry, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse film industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: zizhengliu.com
• Instagram: borisldd
• Other: Echoes of the Sea ig: echoes_of_the_sea_film

Image Credits
Boris Liu, Ian Chen, Roman Yavorsky