Liam Ma is an emerging actor and multidisciplinary artist born in Mississauga, Ontario. Currently based in Toronto, he is a McGill University Engineering Alumnus with a Background in BioMechanics and Sustainable design. He’s making his onscreen debut starring in the much-anticipated drama Streams Flow From Ariver. We caught up with him to discuss the project and his blossoming career.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. You studied engineering and have a background in biomechanics and sustainable design. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in film and television?
Thanks so much for having me! I’ve really thought a lot about how to answer this. Ultimately, I think there is a big part of me that is doing this to see whether I can accomplish something for myself; if I can tune out the world for once, and simply follow the voice of that younger version of me who just wants to be heard.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output, but the real work of the artist is a way of being in the world. I think because everything is so relative, we really are a sum of our influences. I guess I would credit every person who I’ve ever come into contact with as having served influence in my life.
Which three traits define you?
I would say that I am defined and sustained by a strong sense of integrity, a tenacious sense of self-discipline, and a dry sense of humor.
Please tell us about your latest project ‘Streams Flow From A River’ and what drew you to the project.
Our beloved series is somewhat of a love letter to our parent’s generation. It’s a reflection on the cyclical nature of pain, the complexities of generational trauma, and the strength of family. This story is such a delicate, nuanced treatment of the immigrant experience. It comes from a very personal, vulnerable place, but remains so universal. Ultimately, that is the power of this medium, of stories. To say, this is what it feels like for me—does it feel the same for you?
You’re currently working on a script exploring the collision of hyper-masculinity for Asian Canadian men addressing their cultural heritage and their emasculation in the west. Please tell us more about this intriguing project.
I am! I think there’s such power in writing yourself into stories. Especially in the time that we’re currently in, where it feels like there is still a certain permission, an allowance of opportunities for our community. The script that I’m developing is centered on the tension within the ideals of masculinity for Asian American men. So, elements that are definitely autobiographical, but an important exploration within what I’m witnessing in the community as a whole.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
I try to preserve a very limited social media presence, as that has been and always will be a complex, stressful relationship. Currently, my favorite digital mode of existing is through Are.na and you’re missing out if you’re not already on it.
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