Sean Wang's heartwarming and deeply charming documentary short, 'Wài Pó and Nai Nai,' has been nominated for Best Documentary Short at the upcoming Academy Awards. The film, which captures the daily lives of Wang's grandmothers, Yi Yan Fuei and Chang Li Hua, showcases the joy and playfulness that exists between the two spirited women. The nomination has brought unexpected fame to these lively in-laws, who never imagined themselves as movie stars.
The journey to the Oscars started when Wang, a budding filmmaker, began shooting his grandmothers in their Bay Area home. Living together and sharing everything, they have formed a bond that resembles that of sisters. Wang's camera became a constant presence in their lives, especially when he moved back in with his nearby mother during the pandemic. Little did they know that their casual interactions would lead to an Oscar nomination.
In the documentary, Yi and Chang are seen arm wrestling, playing dress-up, and indulging in their favorite activities. Their contagious spirit and zest for life shine through the screen. However, they playfully decline their grandson's attempts to turn them into movie stars, never imagining that their joyful moments would be shared with the world.
When the Oscar nominations were announced, the internet was captivated not by reactions from Hollywood stars but by the genuine celebration of Yi and Chang, captured on video with Wang, his mother, and producer Sam Davis by their side. It was a moment filled with pure joy and gratitude.
'Wài Pó and Nai Nai' is not just a documentary capturing the love between a grandson and his grandmothers; it also reflects on the meaningful aspects of life and the acceptance of mortality. Yi, equipped with a magnifying glass, proclaims, 'As long as I have the newspaper, I can live.' Little did she know that she and Chang would become the news themselves.
For Wang, making this film was not only a way to showcase his grandmothers but also a way to combat the hateful stereotypes that emerged during the rise of Asian and Asian-American hate crimes. It was their genuine and spirited personalities that inspired Wang to create a heartfelt tribute, showcasing their resilience and joy.
Both Yi and Chang grew up in poverty in wartime Taiwan, and their ability to find joy in every moment arose as a conscious reaction to the hardships they faced. Chang reflects on their bittersweet past, saying, 'Our late lives are so much more fortunate than what we experienced when we were young. And then to be surrounded by our family, there's so much more joy around us than when we were young.'
As the spotlight shines on the film and Wang's breakthrough success, his focus on family remains a central theme. His previous works, such as the short film '3,000 Miles,' and his feature directorial debut, 'Dìdi,' explore the power of family bonds and personal connections. Wang believes that making films about his family helps him bridge the gap between seeing his loved ones solely as relatives and appreciating them as unique individuals.
Now, as Wang prepares to attend the prestigious Oscars with his grandmothers by his side, he reflects on the profound impact of this unlikely journey. Together, they will experience a moment they never thought possible.
Yi and Chang, despite their newfound fame, emphasize the importance of supporting and encouraging children to pursue their own paths and interests. They urge parents not to force their own dreams upon their children but instead to nurture their natural talents and passions.
The success of 'Wài Pó and Nai Nai' has not only brought attention to these endearing grandmothers but has also opened doors for Wang. Casting directors have already reached out to him, offering roles to Chang in other movies. It's a testament to the power of showcasing authentic stories and celebrating the strength and vibrancy of older generations.
As the Oscars draw near, Yi and Chang eagerly anticipate the event, wondering if they will have the chance to meet acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee. But beyond the glitz and glamour, they hope that the success of the film will inspire others to support their children's aspirations and to find joy in every precious moment shared with family.
Sean Wang's journey from capturing intimate moments with his grandmothers to attending the Oscars with them is a testament to the power of love, family, and the beauty of embracing life's unexpected twists and turns.
