Sean Wang's Film Dìdi Premieres at Sundance

Sean Wang's debut feature film, Dìdi, has garnered significant attention following its premiere at Sundance, where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, and coincided with his Oscar nomination for the short documentary Nai Nai & Wài Pó. The film tells the semi-autobiographical story of 13-year-old Chris 'Wang Wang' Wang, a Taiwanese American navigating the complexities of adolescence in 2008 Fremont, California, filled with humor, family dynamics, and skateboarding. Chris's life is marked by the challenges of fitting in, dealing with family tensions, and his first crush, all while balancing the expectations of his grandmother and mother. Wang cast his own grandmother, Chang Li Hua, in a pivotal role, adding authenticity to the film's exploration of immigrant family life. Dìdi effectively captures the late 2000s social landscape, showcasing the innocence and turmoil of pre-teen years through its relatable characters and events. Wang's journey from a skateboarding enthusiast to an award-winning filmmaker illustrates the power of personal storytelling in cinema.