Disney+ is set to enrich its documentary offerings with the addition of Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó, a touching and humorous short film by first-generation Taiwanese-American director Sean Wang. This delightful documentary, which celebrates the unique bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren, is scheduled to debut on the streaming service on February 9.
A Tribute to Grandmothers
Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó is more than just a film; it’s a personal tribute from Sean Wang to his grandmothers. The documentary shines a light on the inseparable duo, Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó, best friends and roommates in their golden years. The film captures the essence of their daily lives filled with laughter, dance, and a shared journey through the highs and lows of life. It’s a story that resonates with joy, sorrow, and the unbreakable spirit of aging gracefully.
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The film marks the relaunch of Disney’s “People & Places,” an Academy Award-winning documentary short film series from the 1950s and 1960s. This revived collection aims to showcase real-life stories of extraordinary people and places that reflect Disney’s ethos. Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó sets the tone for this series, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of connecting with our elders.
Acclaimed and Award-Winning
After its world premiere at SXSW, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó continued to garner acclaim. It made the IDA shortlist and won additional awards at prestigious festivals like AFI Fest, SIFF 2023, and The Wrap 2023 Shortlist Film Festival. The documentary also received an Academy Award® nomination for Outstanding Documentary Short Film, a testament to its universal appeal and poignant storytelling.
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The documentary, featuring dialogues in Mandarin and English, is a testament to Sean Wang’s versatility as a filmmaker. He not only directed but also produced the film alongside Sam Davis and Malcolm Pullinger. The executive production was helmed by Joanna Natasegara, known for the Academy Award®-winning short White Helmets.
Sean Wang’s Rising Career
Sean Wang’s talent extends beyond this documentary. His feature film DìDi premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Audience Award for US Dramatic film. Wang’s involvement in the Project Advancement and Completion Fund, a collaboration between the Sundance Institute and The Walt Disney Company, further highlights his growing influence in the film industry.
As Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó prepares to make its debut on Disney+, viewers can anticipate a heartwarming, funny, and deeply human story. It’s a film that promises to leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the timeless bond between generations and the beauty of growing old.
About Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó
Release Date: February 9, 2024
Director: Sean Wang
Executive Producer: Joanna Natasegara
Cinematographer: Sam A. Davis
Producers: Sam A. Davis, Malcolm Pullinger
Production: Even Odd, Junk Drawer
Stars: Yu Yan Fuei, Zhang Li Hua
Synopsis
“Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó” is a personal love letter from first generation Taiwanese-American director Sean Wang, to his grandmothers. He turns a camera on his grandmas (his “Nǎi Nai” and “Wài Pó”), who are inseparable best friends and roommates in their 80s and 90s. The film captures their daily lives in hilarious and unexpected ways as they dance, stretch, and fart their sorrows away—eventually giving way to a poignant meditation on lives marked by both joy and pain. Together, grandmas and grandson remind us that getting older doesn’t have to mean fading away.
Are you ready to experience the heartwarming journey of Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó on Disney+? How do you think this documentary will impact the way we view our relationships with our elders? What are your expectations from Sean Wang’s directorial prowess in this unique narrative? Let us know what you think and share your favorite memories of your grandma with us on Discord!
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