An interview with LAFA winner Bingliang Li ("Trifles")

Bingliang Li is a rising star in the world of cinema, a director who brings a unique blend of Asian cultural heritage and futuristic Sci-fi themes to his films. A graduate of Temple University and currently pursuing his MFA at the prestigious University of Southern California, Bingliang has already made waves with his short film Trifles.

Recognized with awards such as "Best New Director" and "Best Sci-Fi," including Best Sci-Fi at LAFA in February 2022, Bingliang’s work reflects a profound commitment to storytelling that is both visually stunning and socially provocative. In this interview, we explore Bingliang's journey from his roots in Yunnan and Shandong, China, to his artistic achievements in the United States, diving into his creative process, his cultural inspirations, and what the future holds for this promising filmmaker.

Can you tell us a bit about your childhood in Yunnan and how it shaped your creative perspective?

Growing up in Yunnan province, I was fortunate to be immersed in one of China's most culturally diverse and vibrant regions. The colors, sounds, and rhythms of daily life were unlike anything I could have imagined elsewhere—festivals filled with intricate costumes, lively music, and heartfelt storytelling were a constant source of wonder. This environment ignited my curiosity and love for creativity, as I witnessed how art, whether through dance, music, or intricate handicrafts, served as a powerful medium for expressing identity and emotion.

When did you first realize that filmmaking was your passion?

During my sophomore year in high school in China, I had an experience that solidified my passion for filmmaking. My best friend and I were part of our school’s TV station, where we spent hours learning editing and videography. To us, the process of cutting footage and put it together felt like magic—it was our way of bringing ideas to life. At the time, we were also captivated by the Marvel show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which sparked countless creative conversations.

One day, after watching an episode, we came up with a playful idea: what if there was a technology that could hack into people’s dreams and send them messages? What started as a fun thought quickly grew into a story idea that a special agent who could hack into teenagers’ dream and helps them not get internet gaming disorder. With the encouragement of the school’s TV station faculty and the support of our classmates, we decided to turn our idea into a short film. To fund it, we even pitched the concept to several local businesses around our school and successfully secured small-scale crowdfunding. Looking back now, the process was undeniably amateurish. We relied heavily on in-camera effects because we had no idea how to do VFX, our editing was rough, and instead of original scoring, we used public domain music. Yet, the entire experience was exhilarating. Despite its imperfections, the project surprised us by winning a national competition. That moment was transformative for me—I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to direct, to craft stories, and to make films happen. That short film marked the beginning of my journey as a filmmaker, fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and the joy of creating.

Who were your biggest artistic inspirations when you were growing up?

Growing up, Ang Lee was one of my biggest artistic inspirations. His ability to bridge cultures and tell deeply human stories through his films left an indelible mark on me. I admired how he could move seamlessly between genres and styles and capturing the restrained emotions of different characters. His storytelling always felt authentic, universal, and grounded, yet it also carried a sense of artistry that elevated every frame.

How do you balance technical skills with storytelling in your work?

Balancing technical skills with storytelling in my work is a dynamic process where each element complements the other. I view technical skills as a fundamental toolset that allows me to bring a director's vision to life with precision and creativity. Whether it’s mastering cinematography, production design, or post-production techniques, these skills ensure that every visual and auditory detail enhances the story being told. In addition, I’ve always approached technical mastery with a clear goal: to serve the narrative and the director's vision. Storytelling is at the heart of my work, and I continuously refine my technical abilities not as an end in themselves, but as a means to craft compelling and emotionally resonant experiences.

Can you talk about your mission to bring Asian culture into your films?

My mission to bring Asian culture into my films is deeply rooted in a desire to share authentic stories while addressing the complexities and challenges within our heritage. Through my work, I strive to highlight the struggles and resilience of those navigating these cultural frameworks. By blending traditional Asian cultural elements with innovative Sci-fi narratives, I create fictional worlds that not only entertain but also provoke thought and challenge societal norms. Sci-fi, with its ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction, provides a powerful platform to reimagine possibilities and question deeply ingrained beliefs.

As an Asian filmmaker, I bring extraordinary effort to ensure that these stories resonate universally while staying true to their cultural roots. By exploring themes of gender bias and patriarchy, I aim to contribute to a broader conversation about equity and representation, encouraging audiences to reflect on these issues within their own contexts. It’s my way of honoring our heritage while advocating for a future where all voices are valued and heard.

How do you integrate traditional cultural elements with futuristic themes in your work?

I integrate traditional cultural elements with futuristic themes by exploring the intersection of Sci-fi and Asian culture, particularly Chinese heritage. Sci-fi offers a powerful medium to reflect on provocative social issues while providing a unique opportunity to blur the boundaries between reality and fictional life. This genre allows me to craft imaginative narratives that challenge perceptions and create thought-provoking parallels with our real-world experiences.

What inspired the concept behind Trifles?

The concept behind Trifles was inspired by the collective experiences of thousands of Chinese families, many of whom grapple with the deeply rooted issues of patriarchy and gender bias. These themes are not just abstract ideas but tangible struggles that shape the lives of so many people. In developing the story, I drew directly from the experiences of my own family members and close friends of the family. Their stories moved me deeply, and I felt a profound responsibility to use my voice as a filmmaker to address these issues in a way that resonates with others.

How did you develop the characters of Yi and Tan?

The characters of Yi and Tan are a reflection of this mission. Yi embodies the resilience and strength often required to navigate a world constrained by gender expectations, while Tan represents the complexities of those who unconsciously perpetuate these norms. Their dynamic is deeply personal, as I crafted their personalities and struggles from the authentic anecdotes and emotional truths shared with me by those closest to me. By bringing these characters to life, I hope to shine a light on the impact of these systemic issues and encourage viewers to reflect on their own roles in fostering change within their families and communities.

Mona Arkin and Crystal J. Huang in Trifles

The grandmother in Trifles delivers sharp lines like, “God knows why my son married you in the first place.” How did you use dialogue to highlight the tension and power dynamics between the characters?

The dialogue in Trifles, especially sharp lines like “God knows why my son married you in the first place,” was crafted to reflect the harsh realities of family dynamics in many Chinese households. Having heard far worse comments from mothers-in-law to their daughters-in-law in real life, I knew the dialogue needed to authentically capture the raw tension and emotional weight of such interactions. These remarks, while cutting, are unfortunately common, and I wanted them to evoke both discomfort and reflection in the audience.

To further emphasize the tension, I intentionally cast the grandmother to speak in the Shanghai dialect. This decision was not just about regional authenticity but also about the inherent tonal qualities of the dialect, which carries a sharpness and directness that heightens the aggressiveness of her lines. The dialect becomes an additional layer of power in the grandmother's character, amplifying the underlying power dynamics and emotional conflicts within the family. By blending authentic dialogue with this linguistic choice, I sought to create a visceral, immersive portrayal of generational and cultural tensions that many viewers, especially in East Asian contexts, would recognize and resonate with.

Yi’s quiet moment after the grandmother’s harsh words, when she sits on the bed and takes a deep breath, is so poignant. How did you work with the actors to convey these subtle yet powerful emotional beats?

It’s these subtle, introspective beats that bring the story to life, and as a director, crafting them is one of the most fulfilling yet challenging aspects of storytelling. It requires thoughtful casting, a deep connection with the actors, and an ability to convey the vulnerability and complexity of the moment.

For this scene, I cast an actress who deeply resonated with the story's themes. I chose someone who could embody Yi's internal struggles, someone who could communicate volumes without uttering a single word. During our preparation, I shared real-life stories from my own experiences and those of people around me—moments of tension, hopelessness, and vulnerability that reflected the oppressive dynamics Yi faces. These stories helped ground her performance in authenticity and allowed her to connect with the emotional weight of the character.

On set, I focused on creating an intimate and trusting environment. I encouraged the actress to take her time, to sit in the stillness of the moment and let the emotions come naturally later when we have the crying scene. It's not an easy process—reliving or channeling such raw emotions can be harsh—but it's that very harshness that makes the scene so impactful. That quiet breath Yi takes becomes a universal expression of hopelessness, capturing the heaviness of suppressed pain and the strength needed to taking care of her daughter, which is something many can relate to. It’s the reason I wanted to tell this story—to give voice to those silent, poignant moments that often go unnoticed.

Can you share the challenges of creating the futuristic VR headset for the film?

Creating the futuristic VR headset central to the story was a hands-on challenge that required me to take on the role of not only director but also production designer. To develop the design, I created prototypes using a Microsoft VR headset, drawing inspiration from iconic sci-fi films like Ready Player One and Blade Runner 2049. My goal was to design a prop that felt both futuristic and functional. The VR headset visually represents its connection to a supercomputer with a hydro-cooling system capable of running thousands of simulation scenarios. Despite budget constraints and a DIY approach, I successfully crafted a polished, convincingly futuristic prop that became a visual highlight of the film. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of versatility in filmmaking—being involved in every step of the process, from concept to execution, is essential for creating something truly distinctive and authentic.

How did you ensure the transitions between simulation and reality felt seamless, especially with the sound design enhancing those moments so effectively?

Ensuring the transitions between simulation and reality felt seamless was both a creative and technical challenge, heavily relying on editing and sound design. Initially, the edit was structured to reveal the realization of simulation versus reality only at the very end of the film. However, after experimenting with several versions, I decided to rework the narrative flow, introducing subtle hints midway through the film. This choice allowed for a more layered experience, where the audience could begin questioning the boundaries of what’s real while still being immersed in the story.

Sound design played a crucial role in enhancing these transitions. The scoring was carefully crafted to create an emotional bridge, guiding viewers through the shifts in tone and space. Subtle audio cues were layered—sometimes a dissonant hum or a shift in texture—to signal changes in perception. This not only made the transitions feel organic but also heightened the emotional impact, helping to blur the boundaries between simulation and reality. It’s a collaborative effort between storytelling, visual pacing, and auditory design, and one of the most rewarding aspects of post-production.

Why did you choose to focus on the relationship between Yi and her future mother-in-law?

I chose to focus on the relationship between Yi and her future mother-in-law because their dynamic represents an epitome of thousands of ordinary lives in East Asian families. This relationship is a lens through which deeply ingrained cultural norms, such as patriarchy and generational gender biases, can be explored and questioned. It's a relationship filled with tension, expectations, and unspoken struggles, reflecting a reality that many endure but rarely confront openly.

What message do you hope audiences take away from the film?

Through this film, I hope audiences take a moment to rethink their own relationships—whether it’s with in-laws, family, or loved ones—and consider how these dynamics impact their lives. Many individuals either don’t fully recognize the weight of these issues or feel unable to address them due to societal pressures, cultural expectations, or personal circumstances. My goal is to spark introspection and encourage dialogue, helping audiences realize that while these struggles may feel isolating, they are shared experiences worthy of attention and change.

What are your long-term goals as a filmmaker?

My long-term goal as a filmmaker is to delve deeper into the untold stories within Asian culture and bring them to life with a unique perspective. I aim to explore the complexities of human experiences, relationships, and societal structures, particularly those that are deeply rooted in Asian traditions yet resonate universally. Through my work, I want to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and offer fresh narratives that provoke thought and foster understanding.

By continuing to merge cultural authenticity with innovative storytelling techniques, I aspire to create films that not only entertain but also serve as a medium for dialogue and reflection. Ultimately, I want my body of work to contribute to a broader understanding of Asian culture while inspiring others to share their stories with honesty and boldness.

Where can our readers follow your work?

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user61797563

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13215580/