Tigertail Film Festival Overview
The Greenhouse recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Tian Liu, CEO of Tigertail Pictures and CEO and Co-Founder of the Tigertail Asian Film Festival. After moving to the St. Petersburg area about three years ago, Tian Liu has made it her mission to positively impact the local community through storytelling, art, and cultural connection.
This year, the Tigertail Asian Film Festival will take place at the AMC Sundial 12 in downtown St. Petersburg on March 14, 2026, from 10:30 AM -9 PM. The festival creates an inclusive platform where emerging filmmakers, especially students and independent creators, can showcase their work and share meaningful stories with new audiences. Attendees can expect a vibrant day filled with film screenings, live performances, and networking opportunities. In short, it will be a celebration of creativity and culture that you won’t want to miss.
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Special Screenings
This year’s festival features several exciting screenings, including the East Coast premiere of the Oscar-winning film Visas and Virtues, as well as the East Coast premiere of the Chinese film Siling Lake Project. The festival will also screen films featuring notable performers and creative teams, including work connected to the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. One especially exciting highlight is the screening of the iconic martial arts classic Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee. A film that remains one of the most influential martial arts movies in cinema history.
Tian Liu’s Mission
The Inspiration Behind Tigertail
During our conversation, we asked Tian Liu what inspired her to create the festival. She explained that she wanted to build a platform that highlights stories often underrepresented in mainstream cinema. As an Asian film producer who spent years working in the film industry, Tian Liu has witnessed firsthand how powerful it is when diverse voices are given the spotlight. She wanted to create this space where filmmakers, artists, and audiences from different cultural backgrounds could come together through cinema.
“Film has the power to connect people,” Tian Liu shared, “The Tigertail festival is really about celebrating storytelling while helping new filmmakers find their voice.”
A Festival Built Around Community
Tian Liu describes the Tigertail Film Festival’s mission to support emerging filmmakers. The festival provides a platform for new voices to share their stories, regardless of background or experience, and gain recognition in the film industry. While fostering connections between filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals, Tigertail also seeks to bridge communities through cultural storytelling. By highlighting fresh talent and diverse perspectives, the festival empowers artists and brings meaningful stories to a wider audience.
From Film Student to Industry Professional
Tian Liu understands the challenges young filmmakers face because she experienced them herself. Just six years ago, she was a film student trying to navigate the industry, facing common challenges such as limited funding, lack of connections, and uncertainty about where to begin. Fortunately, her dedication paid off. Her film projects were selected at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival three times and later went on to receive more than 100 awards for cinematography and producing. These opportunities opened doors to collaborations with renowned filmmakers and actors, including Dean Cundey, Tim Burton, Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Glenn Close, and Kim Basinger.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Tigertail carries several layers of meaning. The tiger is a powerful symbol in many Asian cultures, representing courage, strength, and resilience. Qualities that are reflected in the filmmakers and stories featured in the festival. The name also represents energy and movement. Tigertail is meant to be a dynamic cultural bridge, connecting Asian and Asian-inspired stories with audiences in Florida and beyond. On a personal note, Tian Liu chose the name ‘Tigertail’ to reflect her own initials, T.L., which bookend the festival’s name.
Why St. Petersburg?
Tian Liu is especially excited to host the festival in St. Petersburg. She believes the city offers a vibrant arts community and a rapidly growing creative scene. Local support for cultural events has played a significant role in helping the festival grow. Collaboration is also a key part of the festival’s success. Tigertail works alongside creative partners and organizations, including The Greenhouse, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Grounded Art by Hao, and SCFFX.
Looking Toward the Future
Tian Liu hopes the Tigertail Film Festival will continue to grow and flourish within the St. Petersburg community. In the long term, she envisions Tampa Bay becoming a stronger hub for film, storytelling, and cultural exchange. One exciting milestone this year is the festival’s support from the Academy Film Archive, an important recognition for an emerging festival.
Memorable Moments
For Tian Liu, one of the most rewarding parts of the festival is seeing filmmakers from different backgrounds connect with audiences.
“When someone tells me that a film changed their perspective or inspired them creatively, that’s when I feel fulfilled.” – Tian Liu
Advice for Emerging Artists
For aspiring filmmakers and artists, Liu offers a simple but powerful piece of advice:
Don’t give up. Believe in yourself.
“You don’t need perfect equipment or a big budget,” she explained. “The most important thing is to tell stories that are authentic to you.”
She encourages creators to stay curious, keep learning, and surround themselves with people who share their passion.
