Darren Lin: Director/Janitor, Divorce Expert, Hopeless Romantic, Blue Collar Aspirant

Pei Pals with Pei

Darren was my Chinese tutor when I was living in Taipei. But that means that it was a bit one-sided, in that he would ask me questions, and I would do the bulk of the talking because it was about me practicing. Here I even the scales and interview him.

Darren is what I would call a blue-collar auteur. Translation: he actually produces films and documentaries in Taiwan, but intentionally takes on so-called blue collar jobs in order to have a different range of experiences to draw upon for his films. Last I recall is that he was just living with a tribe of aboriginals in the mountains, doing who knows what. Prior to that, he was working as a cook in a noodle restaurant.

This conversation is actually nothing special, in the sense that we have these types of conversations each time we connect. It’s no surprise that for both of us, before sunrise is one of our favorite films. It’s one of the quintessential “talking films” which just means that it’s a two hour long conversation. And if you think about this podcast that I really love making, well you know that’s right up my alley.

In this episode, Darren has a therapeutic breakthrough and discovers how watching two divorces has impacted his relationships, we contrast life in different Asian mega cities, of course we talk about the emotional constipation of Asia, and why it’s so important to remain a romantic. Thanks Darren!