Chinese Name: 劉嵩
Born: 1958
Birthplace: Taipei City (Northern Taiwan)
Did You Know That…?
Liu Soung served as an art editor at the “Youth Juvenile Monthly (幼獅少年),” a magazine established in 1976 under the guidance of pioneering journalists and photographers such as Juan I-jong (阮義忠), Chang Chao-tang (張照堂), Kuan Hsiao-jung (關曉榮), and Lin Po-liang (林柏樑). Together, they traveled across communities in Taiwan, documenting the island’s stories through words and images.
After graduating from the London Film School in 1984, Liu Soung worked with several noted organizations, include the U.S. National Geographic Channel and the Home Box Office (HBO), contributing as a post-production editor. Eventually, he returned to Taiwan in 1989 and joined Bow Wow Productions (寶花傳播), where he focused on television documentary productions.
In 2001, Liu received the 36th Golden Award for Best Non-Drama Director for the documentary series “The Vision of a City (城市的遠見).” The series sparked widespread interest in Taiwan’s urban development and civic consciousness. In 2004, he was nominated again for the Golden Bell Awards for “Our Home, Our Stories (我們的故鄉．我們的故事),” cementing his reputation as a leading documentary director in his forties.
In 2006, Liu directed “Natural Formosa (福爾摩沙的指環)” to mark the tenth anniversary of Taiwan’s Public Television Service (PTS). The documentary follows 14 individuals—including scientists, teachers, and volunteers—who initiative projects to safeguard Taiwan’s environment and natural habitats. “Natural Formosa” showcases Taiwan’s undersea corals reefs, volcanic terrain, wildlife such as hermit crabs and migratory birds, and its lush mountain forests.
In 2023, his documentary series “Inspiration from the Southeast (南國啟示錄),” a production focused on three cities in Southeast Asia—Penang, Chiang Mai, and Hanoi, won Best Humanities Documentary Show at the 58th Golden Bell Awards.
Liu Soung’s interdisciplinary works explore Taiwanese culture, history, and society. His documentaries offer unique perspectives that emphasize human values and forward-thinking, portraying significant events and developments across the island. With thorough research and grounded storytelling, his films serve as both inspiration and valuable sources of knowledge.
In Liu’s view, advancements in technology have democratized documentary production, enabling anyone to create their own work—no longer the sole domain of professionals and media companies. He notes that while content creation is now widespread and fluid in definition, there is a hidden risk: the tendency toward superficial content. For this reason, Liu believes documentary filmmakers continue to play a vital role in shaping cultural narratives.