Parity Pipeline

Parity Pipeline

Pianoman

Directed by Sunny Liu

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.

  • ABOUT
  • BIO
  • SCREENINGS
  • AWARDS
  • CREDITS
  • GALLERY

Genre

Synopsis

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.

Bio

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.

Screening History

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

Awards History

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

Credits

Producer - Sunny Liu

Cinematographer - Sunny Liu

Co-Producer - Frank Vitale

Music Supervisor - Jasmine Moni Guo

Lead Composer - Jasmine Moni Guo