We recently had the chance to connect with HRH May Liu and have shared our conversation below.
May, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, there’s really no such thing as a ‘normal’ day for me. My mornings usually start early, balancing the two worlds I live in—filmmaking and nonprofit leadership. On the film side, I might be reviewing scripts, talking to producers or the visual effects team, or planning the next shoot. On the foundation side, I’m coordinating with our team on arts programs, cultural projects, and fundraising initiatives.
A lot of my day is conversations—creative brainstorming with artists, business negotiations with partners, and sometimes mentoring young talent who are trying to find their voice. When I’m not in meetings, I’m writing, designing, or planning upcoming projects like our art and fashion shows or film productions.
No matter how hectic things get, I always carve out a little time for reflection and creativity, because that’s the core of what I do. The balance is challenging, but I thrive on that energy—it keeps me sharp and inspired.”**
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“I’m May Liu, a filmmaker, artist, and the president of the Superstar Art Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting creativity, cultural exchange, and humanitarian work. My journey has been an unusual blend — from making films that have won international awards, to leading philanthropic projects, to building cross-cultural art experiences that connect East and West.
What makes my work unique is that I don’t separate art from purpose. Every project I take on, whether it’s a film like Aegean Love or initiatives like our Royal Han Palace Museum and international art shows, is designed not only to entertain but also to inspire and uplift communities.
Right now, I’m especially excited about our upcoming projects that merge film, fashion, and history, where we bring together icons and legends across time and culture, while also creating opportunities for emerging artists. For me, storytelling isn’t just about the screen — it’s about building bridges between people, cultures, and generations.”**
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My first memory of feeling powerful wasn’t about control, it was about creation. I was still very young when I realized I could tell a story — whether through drawing, writing, or performing — and people would actually listen, feel something, and sometimes even see the world differently because of it. That moment when I recognized the impact of my voice and imagination, that was powerful.
Later, as a filmmaker, I felt that same rush the first time I saw an audience react to one of my films — laughing, crying, connecting. It reminded me that true power comes from sharing something authentic that moves others. That’s still the kind of power I strive for today, whether through cinema or through the work we do at Superstar Art Foundation.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course — more than once. Filmmaking and running a nonprofit both demand so much energy, resources, and persistence, and there were times when the obstacles felt overwhelming. One moment that stands out was during an early stage of building Superstar Art Foundation. Funding was uncertain, support was limited, and I questioned whether people really understood the vision. It would have been easy to walk away.
But what stopped me from giving up was the bigger picture — the belief that art and culture are not luxuries, but essential for connecting people and sparking change. Every time I thought about quitting, I would remind myself that if I gave up, I would be letting go not just of my own dream, but of the artists and communities who could benefit from it. That sense of responsibility kept me going.
Now, looking back, I see those low points as tests — and pushing through them gave me the strength and clarity I carry into every project today.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole me. What people see — the filmmaker, the president of Superstar Art Foundation, the artist on stage — that’s all true, but it’s just one side. The reality is, I’m also someone who has quiet moments of doubt, who reflects deeply, who sometimes prefers being behind the camera instead of in front of it.
I don’t believe in creating a fake persona, but I do believe in curating what I share. The public doesn’t need to see every private detail — what they see is the version of me that represents my mission, my art, and my work. The real me is in there, absolutely, but like everyone else, I carry layers. And honestly, those layers are what make my art and leadership authentic, because I’m drawing from the full spectrum of my experiences, not just the polished ones.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I would stop wasting energy on doubt and on trying to meet everyone’s expectations. I would stop saying yes to things that don’t align with my purpose. Time is too precious to be diluted by distraction, negativity, or fear.
Instead, I’d put all my focus on creating — films, art, cultural projects — and on leaving behind something meaningful through the Superstar Art Foundation. I’d spend more time with people who inspire me, and less with people who drain me.
In short, I’d stop living for approval and live only for impact, love, and legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Superstar-Art-Foundation.org,
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrhmayliu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayliu-superstar/
- Twitter: https://x.com/superstar_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayliu.superstar
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/ob_AsV4eU_c
- Other: https://www.RoyalFamilyLiu.com/HRHMAYLIU
Image Credits
May Liu
