DIRECTING

Photo: Me and my actors during the filming of Better Me

Behind the scenes

My grandparents often tell me that I’m a gifted writer. They say I can capture the nuances of small details of life and find beauty and humanity in the moments. They mean the world to me. I hold onto their words with hope, believing that these qualities will one day shape me into a better filmmaker.

Filmmaking is an amalgamation of everything I loved growing up—drawing, writing, and fashion design. My first experience directing something beyond a one-person crew was in 2021 when I was 17, for my film school application. I was terrified standing in front of an experienced crew. After two intense days, I hugged my crew goodbye, stayed on the dark stage, and cried alone. I even recorded a video of myself in tears: reminding the future me it was all worth it and to keep going. As my experience grows, that fear has gradually transformed into clear visions and confidence.

My favorite memories from that first experience were the meaningful conversations with my actors and witnessing the DP’s magic of creating beauty. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentors, teachers, friends, crew, and cast who have guided and influenced me through each project. Directing is an honor of trust, a privilege to lead, and a precise opportunity to express and connect with the heart and soul of the world.

Better Me (2025)

Director / Writer - Yumeng Liu

Producer / Editor - Bien Bagui

Cinematographer - Shouri Gomatham

Logline: A stressed single mother battles her young daughter over the weight of pregnancy as the ghost of her toxic mother haunts her. Generational trauma may repeat itself.

Drama / Narrative

Victims (2022)

Director/Writer/Editor - Yumeng Liu

Cinematographer - Heng Kang

Producer - Jingni Yu / Tianyu Ye

Logline: A determined 12-year-old girl fights to protect her mother from the justice system and her abusive stepfather.

This was my first directing experience.

Drama / Narrative

Reborn (2024)

Director/Writer/Editor - Yumeng Liu

Producer - Sparrow Nicole

Cinematographer - Ryn Daniel

Logline: Through the introspective lens of a developing presence, a young woman navigates the fragile boundaries of a casual relationship.

Experimental

She Turns Into A Butterfly (2023)

Director/Writer/Producer/Cinematographer/Editor - Yumeng Liu

Logline: Unable to be by her grandmother’s deathbed, a lonely college student meets a mysterious new roommate—someone who feels eerily familiar.

Drama / Narrative

Small Fun Short Films

You Are My Dream (2023)

DOn’t Get Caught (2022)

What u called Love (2023)