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,
known for emotionally resonant storytelling that amplifies marginalized voices. A graduate of
Emerson College, The New School, and the School of Visual Arts, her work has been showcased
at prestigious festivals like Tribeca, the Atlanta Film Festival, and DOC NYC, and has reached
global audiences through Amazon Prime and PBS.
With a classical piano background, Sunny infuses her films with a rhythmic sensibility, crafting
narratives that resonate emotionally while maintaining dynamic pacing. This blend of artistic
training and technical expertise allows her to seamlessly take on multiple roles—director,
producer, cinematographer, editor, and sound mixer—approaching each project with precision
and a deeply personal touch.
Sunny's work highlights often-overlooked communities, including individuals with disabilities,
those facing mental illness, food insecurity, undocumented immigrants, and the wrongfully
incarcerated. Through storytelling, she sparks critical conversations that inspire action, whether
by raising awareness, mobilizing communities, or influencing policy. As an active member of
Film Fatales, Women in Film, and the Asian American Documentary Network, Sunny champions
ethical representation, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard and valued.
Looking ahead, Sunny is collaborating on two impactful PBS documentaries and a Hulu film
with Emmy-winning filmmakers Luchina Fisher and Elan Bogarin, alongside Emmy-winning
journalist Karishma Vyas. Committed to storytelling that drives change, she creates films that
move audiences emotionally and empower them to take action. Through mentoring emerging
directors, Sunny fosters a new generation of socially conscious storytellers, ensuring that every
voice finds its place in the shared tapestry of 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