Pianoman
An undocumented immigrant achieves his dream of opening a piano factory in Yonkers, NY, but unforeseen circumstances threaten to jeopardize his livelihood and potentially separate his family.
An undocumented immigrant achieves his dream of opening a piano factory in Yonkers, NY, but unforeseen circumstances threaten to jeopardize his livelihood and potentially separate his family.
PIANOMAN intimately captures the resilience of an undocumented family as they navigate universal challenges through a sensitive cinéma vérité lens. Stirring genuine emotions, the film prompts reflection on social justice and inequality, inspiring action for a more inclusive world. The integration of music and piano-making underscores the theme of unity. The piano serves as a powerful metaphor for both family reunion and the parallel restoration of resilience. This concise portrayal deeply resonates, appealing to those intrigued by civil rights, social justice, immigration, the transformative power of music, or the craftsmanship of piano-making.
Sunny Liu is an award-winning filmmaker, pianist/composer, and animator based in New York, celebrated for her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices through powerful, emotionally driven storytelling. A graduate of Emerson College, The New School, and the School of Visual Arts, her work has garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals like the Tribeca Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, and Doc NYC, with additional screenings on Amazon Prime.
Her classical piano background enriches her films with a rhythmic sensibility, allowing her to create narratives that resonate emotionally while maintaining dynamic pacing. This blend of artistic training and technical expertise enables Sunny to navigate multiple roles—including director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and sound mixer—each infused with her precision and heartfelt approach.
Sunny’s work explores critical social issues, shining a light on often-overlooked communities such as individuals with disabilities, those facing mental illness, food insecurity, undocumented immigrants, and the wrongfully incarcerated. Through her storytelling, she fosters dialogue that inspires action, driving community collaboration and advocacy. As an active member of Film Fatales, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and the Asian American Documentary Network, she champions ethical representation, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard and respected in the industry.
Looking ahead, Sunny is collaborating on two impactful PBS documentaries and a Hulu film with Emmy-winning filmmakers Luchina Fisher and Elan Bogarin, as well as Emmy-winning journalist Karishma Vyas. Driven by a passion for social change, her mission is to create art that moves audiences and sparks meaningful conversations. By mentoring emerging directors, Sunny helps cultivate a new generation of socially conscious storytellers, ensuring every voice finds its place in the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.
Atlanta Film Festival 2024
Winter Film Awards International Film Festival 2024
The Nepal American International Film Festival 2023
Sidewalk Film Festival 2024
Charlotte Film Festival 2024
Nepal American International Film Festival 2023 - Best Feature Documentary Film
Winter Film Awards International Film Festival 2024 - Best Documentary Feature Nominee
From The Heart Productions Inc. 2023 - Carole Joyce Award for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling
Producer - Sunny Liu
Cinematographer - Sunny Liu
Co-Producer - Frank Vitale
Music Supervisor - Jasmine Moni Guo
Lead Composer - Jasmine Moni Guo