Today we’d like to introduce you to Bocheng Liu.
Hi Bocheng, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In college, I participated in a mandatory film competition despite my primary being international economics and trade. With no experience in filmmaking, I took the initiative to write the script and enlisted the help of a few friends to bring my vision to life. Surprisingly, our efforts were recognized and awarded second prize in the competition. The experience made me realize my potential talent in filmmaking and how much I enjoyed the process. Following the competition, I began immersing myself in the film world, watching countless movies to broaden my understanding and knowledge. It wasn’t until I watched Michael Haneke’s “The Seventh Continent” that I was truly inspired to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Since then, I have produced several short films and achieved some recognition in international film festivals. I attempted to emulate renowned filmmakers such as Chang-dong Lee and Ceylan in my earlier works, but my efforts fell short. In my third short film, I stopped imitating others and embraced a more free-flowing approach, even giving up on using a script. This was the film that truly represented my style and vision. Overall, my filmmaking journey has been an exciting and challenging one, but one that has allowed me to discover my passion and potential.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing a career in the film industry has been challenging growing up in a traditional Chinese family; my decision was met with disapproval and resistance. However, my biggest struggle has been dealing with my internal insecurities. As times change and the world evolves, the film industry is also rapidly changing. Finding a balance between my artistic vision and the demands of the industry with the limited time and resources I have available requires a great deal of patience. It’s a challenging process that comes with no guarantees of success. Despite my difficulties, I remain committed to pursuing my passion for film. I understand it may take time to find my footing, but I am determined to keep pushing forward and growing as a filmmaker. Ultimately, with persistence and hard work, I can overcome any obstacles and achieve my goals in the industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a director and screenwriter, I take pride in my films as my most significant achievement. When submitting my films to various festivals, I have often been shortlisted for or won the award for Best Screenplay. My films possess power beyond words, conveyed through visual storytelling. For a long time, I have strived to use imagery to convey emotion and strength rather than relying on images as a mere supplement to literature.
Through my work, I seek to create a cinematic experience that engages the viewer on a visceral level, tapping into their emotions and imagination. My goal is to use the power of the visual medium to tell stories that transcend language and culture, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Overall, I remain committed to using the art of cinema to tell stories that resonate with people on a deep level. I will continue pushing visual storytelling’s boundaries in my future projects.
What makes you happy?
Creating is an instinct that I cannot ignore. Whether it’s filmmaking or music, creating fills me with a sense of vitality and is the ultimate source of happiness. Through my art, I find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It’s a way to express my deepest emotions and connect with the world around me. Creating allows me to explore new ideas, experiment with different mediums, and push the boundaries of my creativity. The act of creation is what defines us as human beings. It’s a fundamental part of who we are, what we do, and what gives our lives meaning and value. There is no greater joy than creating; I will continue to do so for as long as I live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bochengfilm.com
Image Credits
Pic1: The screenshot from Bocheng’s film About Shifen(2022), Pic2: Bocheng work with actors, Pic3: Bocheng Liu, Pic4: Bocheng work with actors, Pic5: Bocheng work with support actors from different countries and areas, Pic6: Bocheng with crews.
