Meet Ben Nurhaci Lu

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Nurhaci Lu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben Nurhaci, why did you pursue a creative career?
Blockbuster is a precious memory etched in the annals of my family’s history. As a child, my father and I would lose ourselves among the metal shelves, wandering through the labyrinthine rows in search of films.

Often, we encountered foreign films devoid of subtitles, yet I found myself deciphering the narratives through visual storytelling. These moments demanded my attention to the nuances of performance, to the unspoken language of expression. It was a revelation, that I could grasp the essence of emotion and meaning despite the vast chasms of language and culture that lay between me and the screen.

During my years in college, I wandered through the many realms of film production, each offering its unique allure. Amidst this journey, one role captured my soul with an unanticipated intensity. The moment arrived when I filmed with an ARRI SR III camera, and I stood in awe as I witnessed how images could transform the tangible reality of our world into the boundless landscape of our imagination. It was in this profound experience that the seeds of my aspiration to become a cinematographer were sown, laying a foundation as enduring as stone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always imagined myself being water when confronted with such a question as what my style is. As water changes its body with its container, I believe my goal of cinematography is to manifest that philosophy: to be the shape of what the story calls for. That comes from diving deep into the stories, character journeys, and visual storytelling. I dissect the story into essence and form. Essence is the fundamental theme or statement which the story is trying to convey, whereas form is the way of telling it. I’ve always enjoyed spending time with directors to delve into the script and organically come up with visual ideas that ultimately make form and essence inextricable. That’s the reason I love Darius Khondji and Conrad Hall, as they exemplify the thought I’m after.
During prep, my recent method is not only to prep the film itself, but also to calibrate my state of mind. “ The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” – Robert Henri. I try to focus on my mind where everything derives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably take my friend to go on a 3 day hike in Yosemite during early summer. On a trail from glacier point to tunnels view, the overlooking view of the valley is simply stunning and tranquil.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Along the way, there are a lot of talented and gracious people that have offered immense help in various aspects. But there is one event that have changed me fundamentally.

Buddhism has been a transformative force in my life, a beacon during a time of profound anxiety and loss of direction in my adolescence. Initially, I approached it with a heart burdened by turmoil, seeking solace in its teachings. As I delved into its infinite depths, I allowed its wisdom to permeate every thought, word, action. This journey unveiled a new dimension within me, enabling me to observe life through a multi-layered perspective. The teachings of Buddhism calmed my restless mind, stripping away distractions and guiding my focus towards what truly matters. In the process, I shattered the confines of my ego while preserving my inner strength. Now, I find myself attuned to the subtle whispers of the world, fostering connections with a profound sense of clarity and compassion.

Website: benlu10120719.wixsite.com/1012

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benludp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbGBWZ1A_ZY

Image Credits
Margot Moore