Exploring 'tails' of feline friendships

Lu says that the directors for each episode are empathetic and gentle, and their deepening connection with the subjects fosters mutual trust.

"The director of the final episode broke down after filming the last scene. It's hard to imagine how much emotional investment is possible without such deep, continuous interaction," Lu says. "This emotional depth and the way it's presented set our approach apart from traditional documentaries."

During filming with Sia and her son Tyrion, Xie was initially captivated by Sia's multifaceted life as a singer, artist, English teacher, and single mother.

"She's a mother who changes her hair color every time we meet and loves wearing colorful clothes and mismatched socks," Xie says. But behind all these, over time, Xie discovered and was moved by Sia's sensitivity and unique role as a mother.