Within just five days in January, Sean Wang’s life underwent a dramatic transformation as a young filmmaker. On January 19, Wang’s documentary short “Nai Nai & Wài Pó,” featuring his two grandmothers, was nominated for an Academy Award. A few days later, on January 23, his feature film debut, “Dìdi,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. This coming-of-age film, inspired by Wang’s own experiences as the son of Taiwanese immigrants in Fremont, California, was immediately recognized as an exciting debut, winning both an audience award and an ensemble cast prize at Sundance.
“Dìdi” tells the story of Chris Wang (played by Izaac Wang), a young skater kid who reluctantly becomes the “filmer” of his friends’ skating tricks, mirroring Wang’s early steps in filmmaking. The film combines humor and sensitivity, capturing the essence of finding oneself in the early days of MySpace and AOL Messenger. Although “Nai Nai & Wài Pó” did not win the Oscar, Wang’s grandmothers earned the title of “best dressed” from GQ.
For the 30-year-old Wang, his success is not attributed to luck but to years of dedication. “Dìdi,” set to be released by Focus Features, is a culmination of Wang’s journey from filming skateboarding videos to creating YouTube content and short films. Wang likens filmmaking to building with Legos, starting with nothing and ending with something to share with friends. This approach is evident in his films, which often blend personal and familial elements. His shorts, “3,000 Miles” and “H.A.G.S (Have a Good Summer),” reflect his storytelling style that combines documentary and narrative techniques.
“Dìdi” continues this blend, shot in Wang’s childhood home and neighborhood, featuring his real family alongside professional actors like Joan Chen. The film’s familial and homegrown feel was intentional, with Wang’s real mother and grandmother actively involved in the production.
While “Dìdi” shares themes with other coming-of-age films, it uniquely portrays the experiences of a first-generation kid navigating multiple worlds. The film captures Chris’s adolescent struggles with identity and fitting in, presenting these themes subtly rather than overtly. For Joan Chen, who plays Chris’s mother, the film resonated deeply, reflecting her own experiences as a Chinese American mother.
The production of “Dìdi” was a personal journey for both Wang and his cast. For Izaac Wang, playing Chris was a way to channel his own adolescent experiences. The film fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew, creating a familial atmosphere.
Wang’s passion for filmmaking began with skate videos, inspired by the works of Spike Jonze and the Berrics. His early projects were about capturing the essence of a day’s experience. Filmmaking became more accessible to Wang with the advent of better cameras and online platforms, though his focus on narrative filmmaking developed later in film school at the University of Southern California and through participation in Sundance Institute labs.
Looking back, Wang sees his career as a continuous evolution. He acknowledges the fear and pressure that now accompany his work, contrasting with the fearless creativity of his early years. Despite these challenges, Wang’s journey from skate videos to acclaimed feature films exemplifies his growth and commitment as a filmmaker.
