Nocturnal Collective Announces Two Major Projects by Director Jiaxin Wang: Feature Documentary 'Riders' and Music Video 'Kidnap'

Nocturnal Collective has announced two major international projects under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Jiaxin Wang, affirming his role as one of the most versatile and visionary directors shaping contemporary independent cinema and music video art. Wang will lead Riders, an ambitious feature documentary scheduled for production from February 1, 2027 to August 1, 2027, and Kidnap, a visually daring music video collaboration with rising Chinese rapper Yaka, currently in post-production. Together, these projects reflect both the socially urgent and stylistically innovative dimensions of Wang's directing career.

Riders follows the lives of e-bike delivery workers in Brooklyn, New York and Chinese mega-cities, weaving parallel stories of resilience, risk, and survival. By immersing himself in the daily realities of these essential yet invisible workers, Wang leads a project that pushes audiences to confront the human cost of convenience in the on-demand economy. The documentary features cinematography by Paul Song and is produced by Eddie Yukun Long, targeting premiere at international film festivals and global distribution platforms while seeking support from major documentary funding organizations.

Kidnap, directed by Wang from 2025–2026, is a concept-driven, VFX-intensive music video for emerging rapper Yaka that blends noir-inspired surrealism with nonlinear storytelling, choreography, and cutting-edge visual effects. The video explores themes of obsession, memory, and emotional captivity, with Wang overseeing creative direction, visual worldbuilding, choreography integration, and post-production VFX oversight. The project features production design by Olivia Huilin Gao and is slated for submission to top music video and short-form festivals worldwide, highlighting Wang's ability to create visually arresting works across mediums.

These projects matter because they represent significant contributions to both documentary filmmaking and music video art, addressing pressing social issues while pushing creative boundaries. Riders brings attention to the often-overlooked workers who power the gig economy, making visible the human stories behind modern convenience services. Kidnap demonstrates how music videos can serve as sophisticated artistic expressions that explore complex psychological themes through innovative visual techniques. Both projects showcase Wang's cross-continental filmmaking approach and commitment to both artistic integrity and global storytelling, positioning him as a distinctive voice within the international film community.

The announcement signals Nocturnal Collective's continued dedication to producing socially relevant and aesthetically innovative works that amplify bold voices and cross-cultural storytelling. By supporting projects that bridge documentary realism with artistic experimentation, the studio contributes to the evolution of visual storytelling while addressing themes of global significance. These productions not only advance Wang's career as a versatile director but also contribute to broader conversations about labor rights, emotional psychology, and the intersection of technology and human experience in contemporary society.