Liz Rao
“ON YOUR RADAR” IS A WEEKLY GRAD FILM NEWS SEGMENT THAT FEATURES A STUDENT PICKED AT RANDOM.
LIZ IS CURRENTLY A 3RD YEAR STUDENT AT GRAD FILM. WE ASKED HER A FEW QUESTIONS, AND HERE’S WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY:
Where do you consider home and what is it like there?
I’ve lived in Brooklyn for nine years, and I’m a Midwestern girl at heart. I had my first crush in a small town in Missouri, my first kiss in Nashville, and my first puppy love in Chicago. I spent many summers growing up, with my dad and grandparents in southern China and Beijing, so part of my heart is there too.
What is currently inspiring you as a filmmaker?
So much! Benjamin Clementine, Moondog, Leonara Carrington, Helen Zia, Jacqueline Novak, Rina Yang, Justin Peck, The Light of Days by Judy Batalion, my mother’s CD collection which is mostly Tanya Tucker and Teresa Teng…I’m insatiable. I love when art is ragged on the edges, beautiful and brutal at the same time.
What has been your most rewarding experience at NYU Tisch Grad Film so far?
The sheer talent and diversity here is the perfect storm. I met and continue to meet new friends, mentors and creative collaborators who inspire and elevate. We’ve also found ways to keep making films throughout the pandemic, which has bonded us for life.