Filmmaker Zizheng “Boris” Liu has carved a unique path in the cinematic world, blending deeply personal narratives with universal themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. From his roots in Beijing to his creative development as a USC alum, Liu’s storytelling reflects a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and global perspectives. With works like The Dumpling King and Echoes of the Sea, he has gained recognition for exploring profound social and environmental issues through innovative approaches such as magical realism and vertical mini-series.
In this exclusive interview, Liu shares insights into his creative journey, the inspirations behind his projects, and his vision for the future of storytelling. Whether crafting feature-length dramas like A Place Apart or connecting millions through short-form digital content, Liu is a storyteller dedicated to bridging cultures, inspiring resilience, and redefining cinematic possibilities.
Your storytelling often explores themes like identity and perseverance, as seen in The Dumpling King. How has your Beijing upbringing and journey as a USC alum influenced your creative voice?
My upbringing in Beijing, surrounded by rich cultural heritage and the complexity of a rapidly evolving society, deeply shaped my storytelling voice. Growing up, I was immersed in stories of resilience and identity, often told through the lens of tradition and change. This foundation instilled in me a passion for exploring characters who navigate cultural intersections and personal struggles. Films like The Dumpling King are a reflection of this, as they delve into themes of perseverance and belonging, inspired by my own experiences as an international student far from home.
My journey as a USC alum further refined my creative voice. At USC, I had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse storytellers and explore narratives that resonated universally. The mentorship I received and the projects I worked on, such as Ebezina and Echoes of the Sea, pushed me to find new ways to blend cultural specificity with universal themes. Together, my Beijing roots and USC experiences have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to tell stories that bridge cultures, evoke empathy, and inspire resilience.
Echoes of the Sea combines environmental narratives with mythical storytelling. What inspired this project, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
Echoes of the Sea was inspired by the devastating oil spills that hit the ocean of Santa Barbara, first in 1969 and again in 2015. These events left an indelible mark on the environment, as birds and sea creatures, covered in oil, washed up on the shore, and the sand was blackened and sticky with residue. When I arrived at UC Santa Barbara a year after the 2015 spill, I could still smell the lingering scent of oil in the air and saw how deeply the tragedy affected the community. This experience stayed with me, fueling my desire to tell a story that connects environmental awareness with human emotion.
In the film, two students discover an oil-stained bird on the beach, which leads them on a journey to uncover a myth hidden beneath the ocean and within themselves. The bird, revealed to be a dragon in disguise, symbolizes nature’s plea for help. It’s a story of transformation and hope, inspired by the real-life heroes who saved countless sea creatures after the spills. Through magical realism, Echoes of the Sea strives to bring awareness to social and environmental issues while inspiring audiences to reflect on their connection to the natural world.
With millions of views on platforms like Dramabox, how do you approach creating vertical mini-series that resonate with such diverse audiences?
Creating vertical mini-series that resonate with millions of viewers on platforms like Dramabox and Reelshort requires a keen understanding of the audience, the platform, and the distinct storytelling style of vertical content. My approach begins with crafting engaging, fast-paced narratives that capture attention instantly and sustain it through strong characters and relatable themes. For example, in One Fateful Night with My Boss, the plot revolves around universal emotions like ambition and love, paired with suspenseful twists, which makes it highly engaging across diverse audiences.
For platforms like Reelshort and Dramabox, it’s also crucial to tailor content visually and narratively for the vertical format. This involves using tighter framing, dynamic visuals, and concise storytelling to create an intimate, immersive experience. By blending universal appeal with cultural authenticity and leveraging the unique demands of vertical storytelling, I’ve been able to produce mini-series that captivate audiences globally, achieving millions of views and sparking meaningful connections with viewers.
What unique challenges and opportunities do you see in adapting traditional cinematic storytelling to short-form digital content?
Adapting traditional cinematic storytelling to short-form digital content presents unique challenges, particularly in condensing a compelling narrative into a brief runtime without losing emotional depth or character development. The need for efficiency means every second must drive the story, and adjusting visuals and pacing for platforms like Dramabox or Reelshort, especially in a vertical format, requires rethinking traditional techniques.
However, short-form content also offers exciting opportunities to reach diverse audiences quickly and experiment with innovative storytelling. The vertical frame creates an intimate viewing experience, and the format allows for bold, creative approaches to framing and pacing. Its accessibility enables testing new ideas and connecting with audiences in fresh, impactful ways.
You’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from independent films to commercial campaigns like the Toyota drifting video. How do you balance artistic integrity with commercial success?
Balancing artistic integrity with commercial success requires understanding the goals of each project while staying true to a creative vision. For independent films like Stairway or Echoes of the Sea, the focus is on storytelling that reflects personal expression and meaningful themes, allowing for more creative freedom. These projects prioritize emotional resonance and authenticity, which define my voice as a filmmaker.
In contrast, commercial campaigns like the Toyota drifting video that I worked on demand alignment with brand objectives and audience expectations. For Toyota, I ensured the visuals were dynamic and engaging while incorporating storytelling elements that highlighted the brand’s identity. By finding common ground between creative storytelling and commercial goals, I can deliver projects that are both artistically satisfying and commercially impactful.
As you move into feature films like A Place Apart and Exit, what excites you most about these projects, and how do they reflect your growth as a filmmaker?
What excites me most is the opportunity to dive deeper into complex narratives and explore characters with greater depth and nuance. A Place Apart offers a raw and emotional journey following a young woman’s fight to save her brother and herself from a traumatic past. Its themes of resilience and redemption reflect my passion for telling stories that highlight human connections in challenging circumstances. Exit, on the other hand, is a dark, thought-provoking drama blending mythology and moral ambiguity, pushing creative boundaries in ways I haven’t explored before.
These projects mark a significant step in my growth as a filmmaker, allowing me to expand beyond short-form storytelling and tackle larger, more intricate narratives. They also challenge me to refine my craft, from balancing artistic vision with collaborative input to managing the scale and complexity of feature-length productions. Both films reflect my evolution as a storyteller, driven by a commitment to creating bold, impactful stories that resonate on a global scale.
What’s your long-term vision as a filmmaker and visual storyteller? What impact do you hope to make on the industry?
I hope to make an impact on the industry by championing diverse voices and perspectives and using storytelling as a tool for empathy and understanding. By exploring themes that matter deeply — such as environmental consciousness in Echoes of the Sea or human resilience in A Place Apart — I want to push boundaries and encourage others to do the same. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to a more inclusive and impactful cinematic landscape that inspires audiences and future storytellers alike.
