In the heartwarming documentary short Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, director Sean Wang captures the essence of his grandmothers’ lives, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and profound bond. The film, shot during the pandemic, follows the story of Yi Yan Fuei and Chang Li Hua, Wang’s paternal and maternal grandmothers, who found companionship and sisterhood in each other after being widowed.
Wang’s journey took a remarkable turn when his debut feature, Dìdi (弟弟), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, followed shortly by an Oscar nomination for Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó. Returning to his Bay Area hometown with producer/cinematographer Sam A. Davis to share the joyous news with his grandmothers became a cherished moment. Their newfound fame was surreal to all.
Accompanied by his family, including Yi and Chang, Wang embarked on a whirlwind adventure from Sundance to Los Angeles, attending premieres and Oscar events. For the grandmothers, these experiences were beyond anything they had imagined. Before this, they lived humble lives, far from this newfound recognition.
Despite initial skepticism about being the subjects of a documentary, Yi and Chang embraced the opportunity to share their story with the world. Their candid portrayal resonated deeply, touching the hearts of viewers who saw their own grandparents reflected in the film’s narrative.
Throughout the entire process, Yi and Chang expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received. They hope their story will inspire others to cherish their elderly loved ones and embrace the joys of intergenerational relationships.
As they navigated the glitz and glamor of Hollywood events, Yi and Chang remained grounded and unaffected by the celebrity aura surrounding them. Their simple pleasures, like watching shows on a laptop, speak volumes about their unassuming nature and appreciation for life’s small joys.
In the end, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó is not just a documentary about two grandmothers, but rather, it’s a celebration of resilience, love, and the timeless bond between generations. As for Yi Yan Fuei and Chang Li Hua, being movie stars is just another unexpected chapter in their extraordinary lives.
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