Meet Muhan Wang | Writer/Director & 1st AD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Muhan Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Muhan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up on film sets. At a very young age, I learned that behind the magic on the screen lies stress, budget constraints, yelling, and a lot of cigarettes. What initially intrigued me was the process of making a film rather than what’s portrayed on the screen. Oddly enough, I found comfort in the high-stress environment of a film set. So, choosing a career in film felt like the most natural path for me.

However, I didn’t discover the artistic side of filmmaking until later in my life. While working on set, I began to pay closer attention to what appears on screen—the culmination of all the effort behind the scenes. It was this realization that film itself is an emotional language, capable of conveying more than words can capture, that ignited my desire to pursue a creative career. Through this medium, I can express and experience the nuances of emotions in ways that cannot be achieved otherwise.

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.
A large part of my work and thinking revolves around the question of “where am I from?” I was born and raised in China, educated in a British school, studied film in the U.S., and am heavily influenced by works from Japan and South America. While some of my peers take pride in being “citizens of the world,” I am somewhat haunted by my complex cultural background. Despite knowing where I was born, I find it challenging to fully identify with any of these cultures; all of them are somewhat distant from the environment I grew up in.

In a sense, my creative journey is the process of attempting to answer the question of “where am I from?” My works are recorded sparks and echoes in my ongoing battle with this question, and to this day, I have yet to find a definitive answer. However, as challenging as it may be, I find immense joy in my contemplation and am eager to share it with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As odd as it may sound, one of my favorite things to do when my best friends visit New York is taking them out on one of the fishing boats at Sheephead Bay. There’s something magical about watching the Manhattan skyline blend into the horizon as the sun rises, while my friends are questioning their decision to be on board at 7 AM in the morning. It has been my greatest satisfactions throughout my years in this city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shoutout to my families. Throughout my career as a filmmaker and creative, they’ve always had my back, even during tough times. Coming from an East Asian background, my parents’ support for my creative path has meant the world to me. I’m incredibly grateful for their unwavering belief in me and my vision. It’s truly a luxury to be able to share my thoughts and stories with my own parents and to listen to their feedback on my works.

I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my friends, regardless whether they are in the film industry or not. Their encouragement during moments of doubt and celebration during moments of triumph have truly carried me through. Each one has played a unique role in shaping my path and I can’t make it so far without every single one of them. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation, and I am endlessly thankful for their presence in my life.

Instagram: muhanwang4869

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8160432/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_q_muhan%2520w