It’s 2008. A time of Myspace and flip phones and a Californian summer for Chris, a 13-year-old trying to find his place in the world. Moving, and at times hilarious, Dìdi takes you through all the ups and downs, the joys and confusion of growing up – especially in a migrant family.
In sun-bleached California in the early noughties, YouTube is just starting to be a thing and we’re getting a taste of the social media world to come. Chris is having a memorable summer before he starts high school – full of crushes and clashes, as he nervously navigates the tricky waters of adolescence. His big sister Vivian is headed for college. His mum (Joan Chen, who you might recognise from Twin Peaks or The Last Emperor) is a frustrated painter who wants to be seen as more than a caregiver.
This semi-autobiographical debut feature by Oscar nominee Sean Wang brilliantly evokes a recent past, avoiding the typical clichés of a coming-of-age film.
Mon 25 Nov – Sun 1 Dec
Gates open 6pm | Film starts 8pm
Duration 93mins
2-for-1 Tuesdays Get two tickets for $22
Festival Club membership prices available.