Bio

Based in the vibrant city of ShenZhen, Nebula Li is a director acclaimed ​for her masterful portrayal of family dynamics. With an innate ability to ​explore the complexities of modern familial relationships, she brings to ​light both the warmth and vulnerability inherent in human nature. Her ​films serve as mirrors reflecting contemporary family life, allowing ​audiences to see their own experiences in relatable yet profound ​narratives. Li excels at uncovering deep emotional resonance in everyday ​moments, weaving tales of familial bonds and generational conflicts into ​thought-provoking domestic dramas.

My approach

I have always been drawn to the profound emotional resonance of family ​narratives, deeply influenced by masterworks like Ang Lee's "The Wedding ​Banquet," which beautifully explores cultural identity and familial ​expectations, Nitesh Tiwari's "Dangal," which captures the transformative ​power of parental love, and Hirokazu Kore-eda's intimate portraits of family ​bonds. My approach to storytelling focuses on revealing the subtle ​complexities of family relationships through carefully observed moments and ​authentic character interactions. I am dedicated to creating meaningful ​stories that illuminate the universal experiences of love, conflict, and ​connection within families, while honoring the cultural nuances that make ​each family's journey unique.

Directing Reel

Contract of Love (2024)

Wang Jing, a promising 27-year-old Chinese curator in America, considers moving back to China. When her father Wang Dayun learns of this, ​he travels from China, ostensibly for a family visit. His true purpose, however, is to offer her the family property meant for her brother—a ​strategic move to underscore her family's hopes for her continued success in America.

Cold Call (2024)

At a real estate company, earnest middle-aged Katie is always trying to meet the sky-high expectations of her glamorous nepo baby boss, Lexi. Lexi constantly ​berates Katie, demands instant responses to clients day and night, and insists she stay connected to her job no matter what. Katie’s frazzled and worried ​about keeping her job, and her husband’s just about fed-up. She finds an automated messaging solution called “Noot” that’s advertised as infallible. As she ​is about to sign up, Lexi pushes Katie over the edge. Katie turns the tables — she signs up Lexi instead. The relentless robocaller teaches Lexi a lesson ​she’ll never forget, and Katie achieves her work-life balance.

Janitor (2023)

Luis, a janitor at an elite private high school, witnesses his son Matt's emotional breakdown. When he tries to offer help and comfort, Matt ​rejects him, ashamed of his father's occupation.

Unfinished Wish (2023)

Yuri and Sally were lifelong friends until their middle school graduation, when Sally severed their bond after discovering Yuri's undisclosed ​plans to study abroad. Nine years later, Sally, now a successful novelist preparing for her own overseas move, discovers a nine-year-old ​funeral invitation from Yuri's mother while packing—an unopened letter that would forever change her understanding of their lost friendship.

Dad’s Durian (2022)

The son of a city law enforcement officer falls in love with a street vendor's daughter.