HOPE
In the midst of an ethnic cleanse, Willow (17) and her little sister Asia (8) are suddenly orphaned when their parents are killed in a raid. The two girls must navigate dangerous terrains to find 'HOPE', a safe base from the tales of their father.
[Awarded with 'William F. White International Film Equipment Award' at IMAFF 2022]
Directed by Trinity Wong
Produced by Jennifer Jiang and Ruisi Liu
• Secured three remote off-grid locations with the Film Office of Hamilton and received three city-endorsed filming permits for the designated forest locations. Drafted overnight accommodations for the long-distance traveling crew along with the partnering producer.
• Oversaw scheduling, safety, and transportation of over 40+ film crew members in three rural forest trails of Hamilton, Ontario during extreme weather. Nominated along with Director and partnering producer and won $3K by the William F. White International Film Equipment Award at the Image Arts Awards Night 2022.
• Crowdfunded on Indiegogo with a compelling story synopsis; generating over $4.2k in revenue from sponsors. Ordered insurance protection against damage.
HOPE Film Crew
Ruisi Liu
Casting Call Ad
IMAFF Awards Night 2022
Ruisi, Trinity, Jennifer
VELA
Twelve-year-old Xime hopes to restore her family by arranging a 'Día De Los Muertos' altar – but first she must face her own looming grief.
[Selected and exhibited at 14 local and international film festivals]
Directed by Esteban Powell
Produced by Ruisi Liu and Abigail Richards
• Collaborated with the writer-director for artistic screenplay development. Led from September to October to develop a 50-paged Production Package and acquired $8k+ funds from successful Indiegogo crowdfunding. Received People’s Choice Awards 2023 at Image Arts Film Festival (IMAFF) and exhibited completed film at 13 international film festivals.
• Oversaw purchases in all production departments (including crafty, parking, and moving) and coordinated the pickups and drop-offs of fragile camera gear for six days at the film set.
• Distributed and filed signed legal documents; such as Deal Memorandums and Location Release Forms. Coordinated professional communication through phone calls and emails with sponsors.
VELA Film Crew
VELA Film Crew
VELA Film Crew
Ruisi Liu and Actress
Ruisi Liu Producer
VELA Film Crew
student projects
"Hummus Where the Heart Is"
Short Documentary (2021)
Directed by Katie Murday
Edited, Animated & Grip/Gaff by Ruisi Liu
A short documentary following two friends; united in their business passion for hummus.
"The Artist"
Short Drama (2021)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
Screenplay by Nélie Diverlus
Dramatic short - Two sisters clash over contrasting memories of their late mother.
Filmed with minimal equipment during COVID-19 Pandemic.
"Popped"
Short Stop-Motion (2020)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
Shot on iPhone
A 'popcorn society' during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Based on the true story of a Chinese Whistleblower-doctor Li WenLiang who was punished by the CCP after trying to warn the public of the virus.
activism shorts
"Whose Duty?"
Short Stop-Motion (2020)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
A passion project investigating the Canadian Policing system following the BLM Protests
2019
"Real Nail Spa"
Social Media Ad (2019)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
"First-Year Blues"
(2019)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
A fun edit reminder for the melancholic winters for university students in a city.
"Business Casual"
Comedy (2019)
Directed by Ruisi Liu
A first-year university film project, shot completely on a Bolex Film Camera; Chaplin-style of comedy.