Crafting content around the keyphrase “Grandmas turned movie stars,” the focus is on showcasing elderly individuals transitioning into the world of cinema.
**Grandmas Turned Movie Stars: A Heartwarming Tale of Family Bonding**
Filmmaker Sean Wan’s decision to move back in with his grandmothers, Yi Yan Fuei and Chang Li Hua, during the pandemic has led to an unexpected turn of events. His documentary showcasing their daily routines has garnered an Academy Award nomination in the Documentary Short Film category.
Three years ago, amidst the peak of the COVID crisis, 29-year-old Sean Wang relocated from New York to California to be with his family, which includes his 86-year-old paternal grandmother, Nai Nai, and his 96-year-old maternal grandmother, Wài Pó. The bond between the grandmothers is profound, with Wang describing them as best friends, roommates, and soulmates rolled into one. He expresses his deep affection for them, considering them the purest source of joy in his life.
Motivated to capture the essence of their shared time together, Wang embarked on filming their daily lives. The result is a delightful 17-minute documentary that has now earned an Oscar nomination.
In “Nai Nai & Wài Pó,” viewers are treated to a glimpse of the grandmothers’ routine in Fremont, Calif. They engage in activities like reading the newspaper, exercising, preparing fruit, and even playfully arm wrestling. Amidst singing, dancing, and reminiscing, they share light-hearted moments, including joking about everyday occurrences like farting.
Wang’s intention behind the documentary was to showcase the beauty and complexity of individuals like his grandmothers. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the elderly, especially in the face of rising anti-Asian hate crimes across the country. The juxtaposition of witnessing such violence in the news while being enveloped in his grandmothers’ warmth at home was a poignant experience for him.
Both grandmothers actively participated in the filming process, infusing the documentary with a blend of tenderness and humor. Yi Yan Fuei expressed her desire for viewers to appreciate the elderly and their life experiences, while Chang Li Hua hoped that the film would inspire older generations worldwide to find joy and fulfillment in their later years.
In conclusion, “Grandmas Turned Movie Stars” is not just a film; it’s a testament to the enduring bonds of family, the resilience of the elderly, and the power of shared moments of joy and laughter.
Grandmas turned movie stars
Grandmas turned movie stars
Shortly after the debut of Dìdi, Wang returned to California to accompany his grandmothers as they witnessed Nai Nai & Wài Pó receiving a nomination in the short documentary Oscar category. Wang describes the entire journey as incredibly surreal; now, he and his grandmothers are preparing for the Oscars ceremony.
Jokingly, Wang mentions, “At this point, they’re treating me like I’m their plus one.”
Expressing their joy, Wang’s Nai Nai and Wài Pó share their excitement. “I am ecstatic, grateful, and overwhelmed with happiness, especially for the kindness shown to my grandson,” says Hua.
Fuei adds, “It feels like we, as old grandmas, are transforming into princesses. This experience is beyond my wildest dreams, and I am truly thrilled and overjoyed.”
Wang anticipates that they will make a stunning appearance on the red carpet.
In Beverly Hills on February 12, filmmaker Sean Wang, accompanied by his grandmothers Chang Li Hua and Yi Yan Fuei, along with producer Sam Davis, were captured at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon. The image credit goes to Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images. The grandmas turned movie stars, indeed!
