“Lost In 24” (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with May Liu

2023 July 23

“Lost In 24” (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with May Liu

Who is May Liu?

HRH May Liu (IMDB Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10699373/), an artist, film maker, and philanthropist. Founder of Superstar Art Foundation, Miss Economic World, a non profit organization with mission of helping artists’ dreams. She is award winning filmmaker and published her book “May Liu’s Artwork Collection 2021” in Amazon. Her oil painting was collected by royal families and holly wood celebrities. She was seen in FOX, NBC, CBS, US Times.  

A Noble Chivalry Rank of Art & Humanity Consul was issued to her by the Imperial Order of Culture and Peace. As descendent of royal family Liu from Han dynasty, she wrote a book “Royal Family Liu’s History & the Decryption of Han Culture”, available for sale at official website: www.royalfamilyliu.com

Film Awards and Credits: Jury member of Film Finance Award in Cannes 2012; Vice-chair of the 2018 US-China International Film festival in Texas. She was film producer for 7 movies, won Best Screenplay award in 2018. She has been involved in the financing deal for movies: “The Revenant” “Escape Plan 2”. Her recent directed independent movie “Lost In 24” released in 76th Cannes Film festival, and won the Best Mystery and Best Actress award in Rome International Movie Award.

She also has talent in Painting & NFT creation. her artwork creation page: https://superstarmuseum.com/nft-art-gallery

including: Elon Musk, Queen Elizabeth, Da Vinci, Mona Lisa, Marilyn Monroe etc.

In January 2022, her NFT oil painting “Roaring Tiger 2022” was showcased in New York LED screen Time Square. and was made into art coin token.

Philanthropic effort: PPE donation to Wu Han city. “F1 Monaco” painting donation in Monaco for fund raising for Ukraine. “Portrait of HRH Prince Emmanuel of Savoy” oil painting donation to Savoy foundation for helping children.  “This is what I want for Christmas” oil painting created for Sir Earl Toon Foundation. Miss Economic World scholarship program, and Superstar Awards program.  She had master degree in Finance in Baruch CUNY. 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

My filmmaker career started when I was an investment banker about 10 years ago, I happened to be involved in a movie financing deal, and had a chance to work with a Hollywood film production team for a big budget movie, and learned quite a few experiences from them,  that inspired me into the movie business. Also, when I first direct my movie ” Lost In 24″, my film producer Keith Collea also gave me some valuable advice, I really appreciate his advice. 

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?

 Absolutely. Cinema has the potential to bring about significant changes in society. It is a powerful medium that can influence people’s thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on various social, cultural, and political issues.  Here are some ways in which cinema can contribute to societal change:

1. Raising Awareness: Films can shed light on important social issues, injustices, and challenges that may be overlooked or ignored by mainstream media. They can bring such issues to the forefront of public consciousness, sparking discussions and prompting action.
2. Promoting Empathy and Understanding: Cinema has the ability to humanize diverse individuals and communities, fostering empathy and understanding among people from different backgrounds and experiences. This can help break down stereotypes and reduce prejudice.
3. Advocating for Change: Many films are explicitly made to advocate for specific causes, encouraging audiences to support and engage in social and political movements.
4. Cultural Exchange: Cinema allows people to experience different cultures, traditions, and perspectives from around the world. This exposure can promote tolerance and appreciation for diversity.
5. Inspiring Individuals: Movies often portray real-life heroes or fictional characters who overcome challenges, fight for justice, or make positive changes in their communities. Such stories can inspire individuals to take action and make a difference in their own lives and society.
6. Documentary Impact: Documentary films, in particular, can have a significant impact on shaping public opinion and policy. They provide in-depth examinations of various issues, helping to inform and educate the public.
7. Questioning the Status Quo: Some films challenge the prevailing norms and values in society, encouraging people to question established beliefs and systems.

However, it is essential to recognize that the impact of cinema on society can be complex and varied. Not all films lead to positive change, as some may perpetuate harmful stereotypes or glorify violence. Additionally, societal change is a gradual process, and films are just one part of a larger ecosystem that includes education, activism, policy-making, and more.

-What would you change in the world?

As a filmmaker, artist, and philanthropist, I understand my actions can have a profound impact on shaping perspectives, influencing society, and making a positive difference in the lives of many. There are several areas I would focus on to bring about positive change in the world:

1. Socially Impactful Films: Use your skills as a filmmaker to create thought-provoking films that raise awareness about pressing social issues. By telling compelling stories, I can engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, encouraging them to take action or support relevant causes.

2. Diverse and Inclusive Representation: As an artist, strive to promote diversity and inclusion in your work. Ensure that my films and artworks reflect the richness of human experiences and challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

3. Supporting Humanitarian Causes: As a philanthropist, I can contribute your resources and influence to support humanitarian causes. Fund initiatives that address poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

4. Art for Social Change: Utilize art as a powerful tool for social change. Organize exhibitions, installations, or public art projects that highlight critical issues and inspire positive action.

5. Empowering Marginalized Communities: Collaborate with local communities and organizations to empower marginalized groups through art and storytelling. Give a platform to their voices and experiences to foster understanding and empathy.

6. Promoting Sustainable Practices: Incorporate sustainability principles into your filmmaking and artistic projects. Advocate for environmentally friendly production methods and encourage the entertainment industry to adopt more sustainable practices.

7. Investing in Education: Support educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives that provide opportunities for underprivileged children and young artists to pursue their dreams and develop their talents.

8. Art Therapy and Mental Health Initiatives: Explore the potential of art therapy in supporting mental health and well-being. Support initiatives that bring the healing power of art to those facing emotional challenges or trauma.

9. Promoting Peace and Conflict Resolution: Create films or artworks that emphasize the importance of peace, empathy, and understanding. Sponsor programs that promote dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected regions.

10. Supporting Cultural Preservation: Partner with organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and traditions. Help ensure that cultural diversity is protected and celebrated for future generations.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

Predicting the exact trajectory of the film industry over the next 100 years is challenging, as technological advancements and societal changes can be highly unpredictable. However, I think some potential trends and developments that may shape the film industry in the coming century include:

Technological Advancements: The film industry will likely continue to be influenced by rapid technological progress. This may include advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive storytelling techniques, providing audiences with entirely new and interactive cinematic experiences.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation: AI could play a significant role in film production, from scriptwriting and editing to CGI and special effects. AI-powered tools might streamline the filmmaking process, making it more accessible and cost-effective.

Globalization of Film: With the internet and digital distribution, films from all over the world will become more accessible to global audiences. This may lead to greater cross-cultural collaborations and an increase in diverse storytelling.

Personalized Content: As technology allows for more personalized content delivery, viewers might receive films tailored to their individual preferences and interests, enhancing engagement and viewer satisfaction.

Sustainable Filmmaking: Environmental concerns may drive the industry to adopt more sustainable practices, including eco-friendly production methods and responsible use of resources.
Changing Distribution Models: The rise of streaming services and online platforms may continue to challenge traditional cinema exhibition, leading to new distribution models and potentially redefining the theater-going experience.

AI-Generated Content: AI-generated scripts, characters, and even entire films could become more prevalent, blurring the lines between human creativity and machine-generated storytelling.

Expanded Realities: With advancements in holographic technology, films might extend beyond traditional screens, integrating with our physical environments to create fully immersive experiences.

Ethical and Social Impact Filmmaking: Filmmakers may increasingly focus on ethical and socially impactful storytelling, addressing pressing global issues and fostering positive change.
Interactive and Participatory Films: Interactive narratives that allow viewers to influence the storyline or outcome of a film could become more widespread, making the viewing experience more engaging and participatory.