Interview with filmmaker Tingting Liu (BEING)

I chatted with Chinese animation filmmaker Tingting Liu about her short film BEING. It created a lot of reactions when it played at the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film Festival in August.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of BEING:

Interview with Tingting Liu:

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Tingting: About 12 years ago I watched a film called lost in Translation, I didn’t get its deep meaning at that time. But once I started my life in America, I remember that movie time to time. It is nice to be strong and independent. But sometimes it could be very hard to understand other people. It is even more difficult to read ourselves through other people. At first I thought it was just for international people. But now I feel it is for everyone, who has a lonely self hiding very deep inside. I am trying to show this corner to everyone, and I hope people can find a way to get through their own difficult time.

Matthew: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Tingting: It has been a long time since I wanted to make something about identity, loneliness. But I have been very busy with my day time job, feature film character animation. I only did it during not super busy weekends. So if just calculate the hours I put on it little by little, I guess the total was like around two to three months. But I got the rough idea about 2 years ago.

Matthew: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Tingting: That is hard, I guess self-worth ?

Matthew: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Tingting: I guess it was the time, working in animation film industry was not easy. Usually the day time job need me put 200% energy and time focus on it , which means I had less time to work on my personal project, especially during Christmas time.

Matthew: How is the film scene in your city and country?

Tingting: I guess we might have one of the largest markets in the world, but I don’t think there are many film festivals for independent films. People are so desired to watch fancy Hollywood style movies. Box office, lots of VFX are the key points for producers. It is still growing. And we all agree only good story can survive in long film industry history. So we will see.

Matthew: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Tingting: I was very happy my movie sold very well about what I wanted to say, and the audience totally get it. It made me believe I have found my “ghost toy” which is animation to talk to people . Also thank you very much for showing these feedback to me.

Matthew: What film have you seen the most in your life?

Tingting: I watched lots of traditional Disney 2d animation films, and live action feature films with strong storytelling and acting. If you want something different from Hollywood style, I highly recommend a very old one from Japan by Akira Kurosawa called Red Beard released 1965

Matthew: What is next for you? A new film?

Tingting: Yes, I am just starting a new short 2d animation movie based on some story in real ancient Chinese history. I hope I could get a chance to show your audience in the future if possible.

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