‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ Instagram account wants you to find the vibrancy and nostalgia of everyday life
- Bright colours and retro-chic rule on the page dedicated to places that look like scenes from the director’s films, such as ‘Asteroid City’ and ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’
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Wally and Amanda Koval, the founders of “Accidentally Wes Anderson”, an Instagram account that honours the director’s unique style by finding real-life spots that match his aesthetic. Photo: HandoutPastel hues, symmetrical styling, retro-chic – these words are synonymous with the aesthetics of American director Wes Anderson.
The celebrated filmmaker, known for films like Isle of Dogs (2018), Moonrise Kingdom (2012), and Fantastic Mr Fox (2009), is famous for infusing his films with nostalgia, vibrant visuals and eccentric characters.
This unique style inspired Anderson aficionado Wally Koval and his wife Amanda to seek places resembling scenes from the director’s films.
“I have been a fan of his work since I was young. I remember seeing Rushmore and being instantly intrigued,” the 39-year-old said, referring to Anderson’s 1998 comedy, adding that what fascinated him was “the multifaceted, multilayered atmosphere he creates with character stories, visuals, and the attention to detail.”
Accidentally on accident
In 2017, the couple made a travel bucket list, taking them from the Colorado National Monument in the United States to the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Japan. That list has since evolved into a full-time job for the couple thanks to their Instagram account, Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA).
The account currently has more than 1.8 million followers. There is also an AWA website consisting of travel guides, stories, and maps so users can pinpoint the locations of all the photos featured on AWA.
Hong Kong Instagram account wants you to show your praise
While the couple posts plenty of pictures from their own adventures, they also welcome global film buffs to submit photos of spots in their countries that match the Anderson aesthetic.
Scrolling through the brightly-coloured feed, you might recognise some familiar Hong Kong spots, such as the basketball court at the picturesque Choi Hung Estate and the beach at Repulse Bay. Both photos were submitted by followers.
“We have never been to Hong Kong, but we hope to make it one day. It is a fascinating and beautiful place,” Koval said.
Even Anderson himself approves of AWA. He spoke about the account with The Washington Post in June, saying, “I love the places that they discover. What is depicted is essentially architectural things, and I really like the images and it seems like, yes, those are places I want to go.”
Koval talks to the director from time to time; he was even invited to the premiere of Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City, earlier this year. Anderson also wrote the forward for the Kovals’ book Accidentally Wes Anderson, a collection of photos from the AWA website and Instagram account accompanied by stories.
“Wes has always been incredibly gracious with his time and input about the AWA Community. We are typically in touch about upcoming AWA projects and ideas,” Koval told Young Post.
Inspiring creators
Aside from sharing aesthetically pleasing photographs, the goal of AWA is “to provide a daily dose of delight and inspire a sense of adventure and curiosity for all that wish to participate”.
“Our mission is to uplift creators and artists [and] provide them a platform where they might be able to garner recognition for their work,” Koval said, “I hope to continue sharing insight and inspiration for members of the community to explore their surroundings from a slightly different perspective. Perhaps they will uncover something they did not know!”
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