Zizheng Boris Liu
- Director
- Producer
- Cinematographer
Zizheng "Boris" Liu, from Beijing, China, is a filmmaker and storyteller deeply committed to crafting authentic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. His passion for storytelling was ignited during his undergraduate years at UC Santa Barbara, where an interview with Mr. Wang, a Chinese fisherman and cook, profoundly influenced his perspective. This encounter led to the creation of "The Dumpling King" (2020), a film that goes beyond exploring culinary arts to delve into the themes of identity, loneliness, and perseverance among Asian Americans in the U.S. The film was selected by the Oscar-qualified 35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival and premiered at the Arlington Theatre.
During his time at USC, Boris had the privilege of working as a Teaching Assistant for Tom Jacobson, former President of 21st Century Fox, and Dianne Farrington of Local 600. He was also honored with scholarships including the George Lucas Family Foundation, Dana & Albert Broccoli, and Edward Thomas Troutner Scholarships. His producing works "Ebezina" also won the Jury Award at the esteemed DGA Student Film Awards. His directorial work "Stairway" (2023) further established his mark in the industry with a selection for the Oscar and BAFTA-qualified 27th LA Shorts.
Recently completing his MFA at USC, Boris has just finished his latest short film, "Echoes of the Sea" (2024). Drawing inspiration from the Santa Barbara oil spills, the film is a unique blend of environmental urgency and ancient dragon mythology, aiming to captivate and enlighten audiences on pressing environmental issues. With a clearer mission than ever, Boris is determined to create films that not only speak to the heart but also raise awareness about environmental concerns. Employing magical realism as his narrative lens, he seeks to spark conversations and inspire change, continuing his journey of impactful filmmaking.
During his time at USC, Boris had the privilege of working as a Teaching Assistant for Tom Jacobson, former President of 21st Century Fox, and Dianne Farrington of Local 600. He was also honored with scholarships including the George Lucas Family Foundation, Dana & Albert Broccoli, and Edward Thomas Troutner Scholarships. His producing works "Ebezina" also won the Jury Award at the esteemed DGA Student Film Awards. His directorial work "Stairway" (2023) further established his mark in the industry with a selection for the Oscar and BAFTA-qualified 27th LA Shorts.
Recently completing his MFA at USC, Boris has just finished his latest short film, "Echoes of the Sea" (2024). Drawing inspiration from the Santa Barbara oil spills, the film is a unique blend of environmental urgency and ancient dragon mythology, aiming to captivate and enlighten audiences on pressing environmental issues. With a clearer mission than ever, Boris is determined to create films that not only speak to the heart but also raise awareness about environmental concerns. Employing magical realism as his narrative lens, he seeks to spark conversations and inspire change, continuing his journey of impactful filmmaking.
