Lian Lunson began her film career as an actress in Australia. There, she made several films before moving to Los Angeles.
Once in Los Angeles Lian began working behind the camera. She produced numerous music videos and commercials working with Dwight Yoakam, Neil Young, Pearl Jam and U2. In the mid 90’s Lian formed her Production Company Horse Pictures.

Willie Nelson asked her to make his Documentary Film ‘Willie Nelson Down Home’ for PBS. Lian wrote, produced and directed a television version and a two hour-long form of the film.

After finishing ‘Willie Nelson Down Home’ Lian began a feature documentary on the Catholic Church titled ‘Seeking The Ruin Of Souls’. That film took place across Europe, exploring the evolvement of the Church through the 19th and 20th century.

On completion of that film Lian went to Sydney Australia to film a tribute concert honoring Leonard Cohen at the Sydney Opera House, that concert formed the basis of her feature documentary, ‘Leonard Cohen I’m Your Man’.

‘Leonard Cohen I’m Your Man’ made it’s premier at the Toronto Film Festival and went on to play at the Sundance Film Festival, The Sydney Festival and the Berlinalé.

The film went on to become one of the top ten grossing documentaries world wide in 2006.

Lian worked alongside Rufus Wainwright and his sister Martha to make the Feature Documentary ‘Sing Me The Songs That Say I Love You- A Concert For Kate McGarrigle.’ A love letter to their mother the late Kate McGarrigle.

‘Sing Me The Songs That Say I Love You’ premiered at the Sundance London film festival and went on to play at the Sydney Film Festival and the Berlinalé.

Lian completed filming ‘Waiting For The Miracle To Come’ starring Charlotte Rampling and Willie Nelson this year. The script was written by Lunson with original music by Bono

Lian was chosen by Women In Film to be the recipient of the Dorothy Arzner Director’s Award at the Sundance Film Festival; the award was presented to her by German filmmaker and her mentor Wim Wenders.