23rd New York Asian Film Festival

July 12-28, 2024

Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features / Talking Fish Pictures LLC © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

New York Premiere

Dìdi (弟弟)

弟弟

In his feature debut, Sean Wang, hot on the heels of his Oscar®-nominated documentary short Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, crafts a poignant and humorous narrative that captures the essence of adolescence in 2008 California. Thirteen-year-old Chris, aka Wang Wang (Izaac Wang), navigates the treacherous waters of teenage life, from awkward dating to ruining friendships, while discovering his passion for skateboard filming. Wang deftly employs timeless coming-of-age tropes, exposing the embarrassing and hilarious moments that define this pivotal stage. However, it is Chris' struggle with his identity as an Asian American that elevates the film to instant classic status. Joan Chen and Shirley Chen deliver nuanced performances as Chris' mother and sister, respectively, adding depth to the family dynamics. Wang's nonfiction background lends authenticity and an insightful touch to this resonant dramedy, reminding us that the journey to self-discovery is universal, regardless of one's background, and that the path to understanding oneself is often paved with both laughter and tears.

Director: Sean Wang
Cast: Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua
Languages: English and Mandarin with English subtitles
2023; 93 min.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday July 16, 6:00pm
Film at Lincoln Center

Intro and Q&A with director Sean Wang

Sean Wang

Sean is an Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker, currently based in Los Angeles. He is a Google Creative Lab 5 alum, former Sundance Ignite Fellow, and 2023 Sundance Screenwriters & Directors Lab Fellow. His short, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (Grandma & Grandma), premiered at SXSW 2023, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. It was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Film. His debut feature film, Dìdi (弟弟), premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast.