Yi Liu I was born and raised in China. Her father had encouraged her to go abroad and see the world. Says the actress, “He used to tell me to not be “井底之蛙” – a frog who stays at the bottom of the well and thinks that the sky is tiny. So I came to New York, a place I had never been, and just like that 10 years has gone by. More than the differences, I see similarities in people and societies. There is so much to this journey. I am forever grateful for my father.”
In addition to appearing recently on hit TV series The Blacklist, Liu recently starred in the critically acclaimed independent feature In A New York Minute, which has just been released on Digital from Gravitas Ventures.
What do you think makes In A New York Minute unique?
I really love the structure of the story. Three strangers, three different stories, tied together in such a subtle way. Isn’t it just like real life? You never know how what you do will lead another persons life in one way or the other. We seem to be strangers, but we are actually never that far from each other. There are not as many degrees of separation between us as we think! Each character is realistic to me. I believe every character is just out there in the real world – you probably run into them on the street every day.
Are you based in the Big Apple?
Yes. I’ve been here for almost 10 years. I’ve met many people from different parts of the world. It’s been a great journey and great lesson for me.
Is it reflective of those living in the Big Apple do you think or more the Asian-American community? Maybe a mix?
It’s definitely a mix. I think it’s reflective of the immigrant experience and New York is really a city immigrants. Speaking from Angel Li’s character, I feel that anyone who moves to a new country would have the struggle of getting a grasp upon a new language and culture. They have to learn to adjust to their new social status in their new society, which is even harder. In terms of the auditioning process, it reflects a lot what Asian actors have experienced. In the meantime, human feelings are universal. Pursuing freedom and love is for everyone, every where, all the time. It is not limited to the Big Apple nor the Asian-American community.
Is it fair to say In A New York Minute is a mix of genres? How would you describe it?
Honestly, I feel it’s very hard to put movies into categories or genres these days. Many movies have them all! I feel that In A New York Minute is on the drama side, with humor in it, with a unique structure.
It’s a heavy film – did you ever have any difficultly coming down from the emotional weight of a scene at the end of a day?
I really love the scene where Angel auditions for her later breakthrough role. It was my audition for the role of Angel as well. From my audition, to Angel’s audition, to Angel filming that part, each time I read it I felt emotional. I guess the theme of love and freedom really got me.
I also remember that the night after I filmed the scene where I did a pregnancy test, I was very tired and went to bed right away after coming home. That night I dreamt of doing a pregnancy test in the bathroom of my apartment. I woke up anxious and ran to the bathroom immediately to look for my pregnancy test and I couldn’t find it. It took me a minute to realize that it was a dream and right before that I was in a film.
How was it working with the Ximan?
It was great. Culturally we have a similar background, I feel like I understood what she was looking for in this movie and this character. She has a clear vision of what she wants.
Get much time to know her and the cast before the shoot?
They flew in from LA. I got to meet her at the callback for the first time. As soon as I was cast, we quickly got in touch and started to talk about the movie, the character, and started to rehearse. We all have different work to do. I’d say we spend as much time as we have! She is very responsive through text.
Do you have a favorite moment the shoot?
Like I mention earlier, I really love the scene where Angel auditions for her later breakthrough role. It was my audition for the role of Angel. I got emotional every time I did the scene. I think it’s the pursuance of love, relationship and freedom.