The upcoming documentary film “PIANOMAN” shines the spotlight on local piano maker and owner of A Piano Shop on Orchard Street, David Avendaño. Capturing the day-to-day life of Avendaño and his family, “PIANOMAN” utilizes a cinema verité style to highlight the social issues of an undocumented family living in America, while also exploring David’s mastery in the art of piano repair and the challenges of owning a small business in New York.
In “PIANOMAN,” the film’s director Sunny Liu states, “David’s tale of resilience and determination amidst the challenges of being an undocumented immigrant struck a universal chord. His journey to establish a piano factory in Yonkers is not just a story of craftsmanship but a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.”
A shared experience
Liu’s journey in discovering David’s story is also a personal one of overcoming the odds. Despite their very different backgrounds, (Liu has a Master’s in Music and a second Master’s in Documentary Filmmaking) she shares a few unexpected similarities with her film’s subject. Prior to discovering a love of filmmaking, Liu herself was a trained pianist, until her career was sidelined by an injury.
“My journey with ‘PIANOMAN’ began unexpectedly, much like the serendipitous notes of a melody finding their way to my ears,” Liu explained. “I sought solace in cinema verité and storytelling, hoping to find a new avenue for my passion. It was during this introspective period that I stumbled upon David Avendaño’s remarkable story—a narrative that resonated deeply within the corridors of my heart. When I heard his statement, ‘The piano is my family,’ it struck a chord within me, echoing sentiments I’ve held close throughout my own musical journey.”
Liu would find many parallels between playing music and filmmaking, as both require a delicate balance of technical skill and artistic expression, a sense of rhythm and timing, and the ability to evoke emotion and connect with an audience.
Just as a pianist must carefully shape each note to create a cohesive melody, so too must a filmmaker carefully craft each frame to weave a compelling narrative. The synergy between music and filmmaking is not merely a coincidence but a fundamental truth that enriches both art forms. It’s a realization that has deepened my appreciation for the transformative power of storytelling and reaffirmed my commitment to using it as a vehicle for positive change.
The responsibility of art
Liu’s dedication to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented is what drives her desire to create documentaries, and it’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. Her process is centered on humility, empathy, and a sense of ethical responsibility, focusing on accurately portraying perspectives and preserving the dignity of her subjects.
“Ethical considerations guide every decision, from initial research and interviews to the final edit. It’s about striking a balance between artistic expression and ethical integrity, safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the individuals whose stories we tell,” Liu explained. “Ultimately, my goal as a filmmaker is to create a film that not only informs and entertains but also empowers and uplifts the voices of the underrepresented, fostering empathy, understanding, and positive change.”
Liu’s previous project, “All My Friends Have Stories,” was a documentary series that celebrated her friends’ unique journeys and shed light on experiences often overshadowed by mainstream discourse, like the challenges faced by immigrants and the stigma surrounding incarceration and disability. David’s story in “PIANOMAN” is one of the immigrant experience, labor, generational trauma, the transformative power of music, and the resilience of the human spirit.
One of the most poignant moments for me was witnessing the emotional family reunion captured in the documentary—a powerful reminder of the universal human longing for belonging. It was moments like these that compelled me to share David’s story with the world, as it speaks to the enduring themes of resilience, hope, and the search for identity that transcend cultural boundaries.
A local story with global impact
“PIANOMAN” takes David’s story out of Yonkers and presents it as a global experience. The film was even selected for The China Academy Awards of Documentary Film and won a Best Feature Documentary Film at the Nepal American International Film Festival.
Bringing ‘PIANOMAN’ to a global audience fills me with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. It’s more than just sharing David’s story—it’s about showcasing the rich tapestry of human experience that is New York, and specifically the resilient spirit of Yonkers, to audiences around the world.
And Liu, as a testament to the care she places in telling personal stories, has not forgotten David in the experience of bringing this film to life.
“Staying in touch with David and his family since wrapping filming has been a deeply meaningful experience” she said. “It’s more than just maintaining a connection—it’s about being welcomed into their extended family, sharing in their triumphs and challenges, and bearing witness to their continued resilience and determination. Seeing David’s journey continue to unfold, especially his son Theo’s recent milestone of earning a full scholarship at The School of American Ballet, fills me with immense pride and joy. Their family’s unwavering dedication and perseverance serve as a constant source of inspiration and reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of storytelling.”
It is that very transformative power of storytelling that drives Liu and it’s one that she hopes resonates with viewers as well.
I hope audiences will be inspired to see the world through a different lens, to embrace empathy and understanding, and to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual’s story. It’s a film that fosters dialogue, provokes thought, and motivates action—a reminder of the potential for positive change when we dare to listen, connect, and empathize. I’ve been humbled by the resilience and courage of individuals like David, whose stories have left an indelible mark on my heart. Moving forward, my goal is to continue crafting impactful narratives through timeless storytelling, staying true to the essence of my musical roots, and embracing the unique synergy between music and filmmaking.
“PIANOMAN” was most recently nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 12th Annual Winter Film Awards International Film Festival, which ran from February 21 – 25 in New York City.
