'Lily in the Cracks' Begins Production in New York: A New Story Connecting China and the US

NEW YORK — The launch ceremony and press conference for "Lily in the Cracks," the highly anticipated second installment of the New York Stories film series, were held in New York on Thursday, June 18, 2026, marking the official start of production. The event brought together filmmakers, actors, community leaders, and representatives from local Chinese and Asian American communities.

The film is written and directed by Wang Ziqi and stars veteran actresses Wang Ji and Irene Wan as the two female leads. Taking a formal and ambitious approach to its development, the film is produced by Max Ren, a rising Asian American media executive and entrepreneur. The accomplished creative team also includes post-production supervisor Cheng Xiaolong, cinematographer Chen Hexing, production designer Wang Yiran (Frieda), publicist Chenxiao, and music supervisor Li Quan, with acclaimed singer Meng Tingwei performing the theme song.

As part of the broader New York Stories series, the new film turns its lens toward generations of Chinese immigrants and their lives overseas — stories profoundly shaped by uncertainty, struggle, adaptation, and growth. Through restrained yet intimate cinematic language, "Lily in the Cracks" explores how individuals, particularly women, search for dignity, identity, and hope while navigating the intense pressures of a foreign metropolis.

The film's Chinese title, which translates to "a lily growing in the cracks," serves as a powerful metaphor. It honors those who survive and flourish in restrictive spaces: immigrants navigating cultural displacement, women confronting social and emotional constraints, and overseas Chinese communities building vibrant lives between two different worlds.

Writer and director Wang Ziqi stated that the project is deeply rooted in the real-world challenges faced by Chinese filmmakers and overseas Chinese communities. She noted that pursuing cinema as a Chinese creator in the United States — and more broadly, outside one's homeland — is a formidable task.

"For Chinese people trying to make films in the US or overseas, it is actually very difficult," Wang shared in an interview. "But making a good film is something I have been working extremely hard to do." Her words reflect not only the creative ambition driving "Lily in the Cracks," but also the broader reality of many overseas Chinese professionals who persistently pursue their passions in unfamiliar environments.

Hong Kong actress and singer Irene Wan, who stars in the film, expressed her delight in joining the project, noting a strong personal connection to her role. Known for a celebrated career spanning decades across film, television, and music, Wan explained that the character echoes her own belief in perseverance and her enduring hopes for younger generations. She emphasized that the message she wishes to convey through the film is simple yet timeless: never give up, and always allow your dreams the space to grow.

For Wan, who has never stopped acting and continues to approach new roles with immense passion, "Lily in the Cracks" is a reminder that personal growth is not bound by age or time. Her participation brings both star power and profound emotional depth to a narrative centered on resilience, self-renewal, and the courage to keep moving forward.

The launch event also highlighted the robust support of the Chinese and Asian American communities in New York. Guests in attendance included the film's creative team, cultural figures, business leaders, and community representatives, who collectively celebrated the production's commencement and expressed high expectations for its future release.

Ryan Su, a senior inspector in New York City law enforcement, ambassador for the New York State Veterans Court, and lead actor in "River Cards" (the first installment of New York Stories), shared his own experiences working as one of the few Chinese faces on his team. He noted that while many overseas Chinese have historically struggled to be fully seen and recognized, individual effort alone is no longer enough. More stories, he urged, need to be told so that the voices and vital contributions of Chinese communities abroad can be amplified and understood.

At its core, "Lily in the Cracks" is a story of survival — but not in a passive sense. It is a testament to thriving under pressure, finding light in confined spaces, and transforming vulnerability into undeniable strength. By focusing on Chinese immigrants and the female experience in an overseas setting, the film seeks to present a highly nuanced portrait of the Chinese diaspora: one defined not merely by hardship, but by tenderness, ambition, and the extraordinary ability to bloom against the odds.

As cameras officially roll in New York, the creators hope this story will resonate deeply with audiences who have experienced migration, cultural in-betweenness, or the quiet, everyday struggle of building a life far from home. Through its poignant portrayal of the overseas Chinese experience, the film aims to deepen mutual understanding and serve as a vital cultural bridge between Chinese and American audiences.