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Qianli Tian

An close up of a man wearing a black hood. — Best of Luck (Short Film), 2023

A man turns on a park bench. — Best of Luck (Short Film), 2023

Two people are a distance apart in a field. — Jerry (Short Film), 2022

Qianli Tian

Artist Statement

Theater is the foundational art form for me. During my time as an actor in drama school, I was trained to harness my imagination and foster creativity in the rehearsal room. This changed when I was introduced to devised theatre, which allowed me to become both a writer and creator. Influenced by James Wan and the Coen Brothers, I gravitate towards writing neo-noir and psychological thrillers, characterized by their dark, somber, and eerie tones. My work often explores themes of confrontation with evil, which include thoughts or actions.

As a filmmaker, my goal is to replicate the intimacy of theater in film and elevate it. In my efforts to amplify the vulnerability and nakedness of the characters, as well as the tension within the scene, I frequently employ handheld shots and close-ups in my short films. Sound design is crucial in my work, with a focus on simplicity in scoring to spark the audience's imagination, and detailed sound design to immerse them fully in the story.