Experiencing Interruptions?

Liana

Lydia, a 21-year-old college student, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty when she confronts the possibility of being pregnant. One day, while wrestling with her fears, she encounters Alyssa—a young mother her own age—studying in the campus atrium with her baby, Liana. Drawn to Alyssa’s quiet strength and determination, Lydia is compelled to approach her. Their brief encounter leaves a lasting impact, prompting Lydia to reflect on the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.

  • Tianyi Zhai
    Director
  • Tianyi Zhai
    Writer
  • Tianyi Zhai
    Producer
  • Molly Cesanek
    Key Cast
  • Shihan Zhou
    Key Cast
  • Maggie Granata
    Director of Photography
  • Ryo Tomishima
    Film Score Composer
  • Alma Hearin
    Sound Recordist
  • Gwennyth Paulson
    Chief Lighting Technician
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 8, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Michigan
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Tianyi Zhai

Tianyi Zhai, a former Chinese theater playwright and director with three original productions, committed herself to her original dream of filmmaking upon arrival at the University of Michigan, supported by three prestigious scholarships. On her way to pursuing a bachelor's degree in Film, Television, and Media and Psychology at Michigan, she has been recognized by the College of LSA Honors, James B. Angell Scholarship, University Honors, William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize, and the first place of Michigan Association of Broadcasters Scholarship.

Maintaining academic excellence, she has written, directed, and produced five original short films and one TV pilot at Michigan. She founded and led the first and largest cross-cultural film production club, Cinnamon Cinema, in UMich history. She also initiated the inaugural Ann Arbor Chinese Film Festival, sponsored by the Film, Television, and Media Department and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. Venturing into television broadcasting, she served as the Sports Channel director and later the President of WOLV TV, the designated student-run TV station on campus, and produced two sports programs and one entertainment program there.

In the industry, she worked as the director’s assistant in a Tencent network TV crew in China. Additionally, she completed two film and television development internships, one with Paris Films in Michigan and the other with The Wolper Organization based in Warner Bros Studio Lot.

Add Director Biography