Meet Rui Liu | Film Editor& Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rui Liu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rui, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been obsessed with “creating” and “expressing”, in which I found my own existence and value.
I was born in a relatively conservative family in a small city in China, there were even no cinema or theater in my childhood. The lack of environment made me pursue spiritual wealth even more. I often sat in the library reading or watching films all day long. I got great fantasies and pursuit about the world and cinema, and realized maybe I could also create something valuable. So I applied to Beijing Film Academy studying and making films. After graduation, I entered American Film Institute Conservatory to further explore more professional film making skills. During these journeys, I experienced many growth and cognitive changes, which all led me to embark on the path of film making. I’m pretty sure what I want to express also represents the thought of my generation, so I want to bring inspiration and courage to people who have limited chances to know the world beyond. Just like the line from Pirates of the Caribbean, “Bring me that horizon”. That’s my passion and ambition.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I believe is the most proud part of me is that I always pursue the distance and I’m willing to try everything. My thirst and curiosity of more professional filmmaking and more creative storytelling always push me to learn more. In order to achieve my success, I tried a lot of different work, including cutting commercials, trailers, TV shows, short films, fashion videos and music videos. And also I directed, designed sound, and even acted for films. Those experiences made me learn more and became more clear about my filmmaking career.
The journey of course is not so easy, but I see all of the challenges as my luck. I believe all of the difficulties could let me learn something new and lead me to the final success, and also meet more friends who have similar personalities like me. And thanks to every try and failure, my life is full of interesting stories. Looking back on the path I have taken, I feel accomplished and worthy.
The lesson I’ve learned is that don’t hesitate, just do it. If you try it, you may gain something luckily or even change your life. And stay insecure, this pushes me to keep breaking through myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think the most amazing place in LA is San Pedro. The harbor, factories and Vincent Thomas Bridge is just unbelievable. It connects the artificial buildings with the vastness and nature power of the land and sea. And in the night, the factories really look like some Cyberpunk cities in films. When night falls, you see the endless lights of Long Beach, the huge ferries loading stuffs, the trains moving slowly, the fire of human culture has been ignited. I would like to show my friends the beautiful place, having a chill walk and taking some pictures in the town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Through my journey, I have received a lot of kindness and help from people and I appreciate them a lot. While for what always supports and inspires me, I think it’s Lana Del Rey’s music. I must admit that my choice to come to California was somehow also influenced by her. Her music shows a life that is vast and natural and full of possibilities, and her beautiful understanding of connection between people gives me infinite courage to connect with people, to create and express my emotions and stories. Personally I feel like filmmaking is more like an artistic collaboration and we definitely need to connect and cooperate with others. Listening to her music is like reading an endless poetry, I also hope one day I can create works that has so much power and beauty to encourage others.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruiiiiiiiiii_l?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rui-liu-4872982b9

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015200945599&mibextid=LQQJ4d