Lucy Liu, the acclaimed actress and producer, is in Cannes to showcase her latest venture, The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters, an immersive cinematic experience that she produced alongside Eloise Singer. Liu also lends her voice to the project, narrating the film, which is part of the festival's Immersive Competition.
In an exclusive interview, Liu discusses her experiences at Cannes, her passion for immersive storytelling, and the significance of bringing historical narratives to modern audiences.
On Her First Cannes Experience:
"My first Cannes experience was for Kung Fu Panda, and it was a transformative moment. I was captivated by the festival's dedication to artistic expression and its ability to create an intimate atmosphere despite its grand scale. Walking through the festival, I was immersed in a diverse range of languages and cultures, and I felt a profound connection through our shared love of storytelling."
On Returning to Cannes with an Immersive Project:
"This year's Cannes experience is quite different from my initial visit. Back then, the iPhone was just introduced, and our understanding of film and media was vastly different. Now, with the addition of the immersive competition, my return feels especially significant. Our project, The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters, is a story that resonates deeply with me. It's about a woman who defied traditional power structures and made a profound impact through her ingenuity, resilience, and intelligence during a time when women's education and visibility were severely limited. I believe immersive storytelling is the perfect medium to connect audiences with her legacy."
On the Appeal of Immersive Storytelling:
"What excites me about immersive storytelling is that The Pirate Queen is a historical tale that isn't widely known. The immersive format allows us to present her story in a compelling and immediate way, bringing it to life in a way that traditional media might not. It's also an opportunity to introduce Chinese culture during a pivotal moment in its history through a modern lens. This is especially important in today's content-rich landscape, where attention spans are short. Immersive storytelling creates a unique space where audiences can both observe and inhabit the story, honoring the historical and cultural significance while making it accessible and engaging."
Liu's passion for immersive storytelling and her commitment to bringing lesser-known historical narratives to the forefront make her a key figure in the evolution of cinematic experiences. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Cannes remains a platform for her to share her unique vision with the world.
