“There’s a sense of longing to escape, to leave, in this image. I think about the people on that plane as much as I think about the kids that are watching the plane. I think about the people what they’re leaving behind. It’s about regrets. It’s about sacrifice. I don’t know, maybe they’re much more scared than they are hopeful in that moment,” @thumbelulu tells CULTURED. The filmmaker behind ‘The Farewell’ released the first two episodes of ‘Expats’ last Friday. The limited series unspools the lives and losses of a group of affluent foreigners living in Hong Kong. Starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, and Ji-young Yoo, the show is an aching and atmospheric dive into how we carry collateral damage, and what happens when it starts to define us. Ahead of the third episode’s drop tomorrow, Wang called CULTURED to talk about a photograph by Singaporean photographer @_nguan_, which hangs in her Los Angeles home and influenced the visual language of both projects. Link in bio to read our interview. Nguan, Untitled, 2012, from ”Singapore” series. Behind the scenes and ‘Expats’ stills courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
When @thumbelulu was growing up, her family was certain of two things: She was destined to become a piano prodigy, and she needed to be grateful for the sacrifices her parents made to give her that opportunity. In today’s episode, creator of #Expats and writer and director of @thefarewell tells the story of how she found her own space away from the expectations of her future, and in doing so, unlocked the joy of making her own discoveries. Listen to Lulu Wang’s @meditativestory at the link in our bio.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
A few things that have come out of my garden lately. It will never not feel miraculous – the act of planting a seed and watching something grow.
ICYMI… We made a show called Expats, and the first two episodes are out! Sorry not sorry for the weekly drop, but you know what they say… Good things come to those who wait! Episode 3 drops Friday on @primevideo. Much love to those who’ve already watched and we can’t wait for you all to see how the story unfolds…
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
BTS with the incredible Expats cast who made it all possible. Thank you to everyone who watched this weekend.
I’ve been doing a bunch of press for EXPATS, but I feel like @sharonbrous puts all the reasons why I made this series into words better than I’ve been able to. In the last few years, there has been so much loss, so much pain, so much conflict. So many people I love have had their hearts broken. I have had my own heart broken by a difficult loss. I think I made this show as a prayer… to heal myself, and help others feel seen. Exactly this: to stand up in a room and say “My heart’s broken,” and the world responds, “Amen, we see you.” So for all who have felt broken, this show is for you. I see you. For those who haven’t experienced heartbreak, you will… we all will… and I send you strength and love to find resilience.
