Global Rights to Sean Wang’s Directorial Debut ‘Dídi’ Acquired by Focus Features

Focus Features has clinched worldwide rights to ‘Dídi’, the praiseworthy first feature from director Sean Wang that took home the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Set in 2008 in San Francisco, the film explores the journey of a young Taiwanese American teenager as he navigates through adolescence navigating through lessons his family can’t impart – skateboarding, flirting, and expressing love toward his mother.

Ensemble Cast of ‘Dídi’

The lead role is portrayed by Izaac Wang, known for his performance in ‘Good Boys’, with an impressive supporting cast comprising Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, and Chang Li Hu. ‘Dídi’ also received the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast at Sundance.

What the Critics Say

The Hollywood Reporter’s Sundance review compares ‘Dídi’ favorably to Bo Burnham’s ‘Eighth Grade’, applauding the film’s warmth for its young characters and the authentic representation of their experiences. Highlighted is the film’s successful portrayal of not just the young protagonist’s journey, but the equally heartfelt journey of his mother, Chungsing.

The Production Powerhouse

‘Dídi’ was made under the banner of Carlos López Estrada’s Antigravity Academy, a both a production house and a talent incubator for emerging filmmakers. Sean Wang, the director, was recently nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Documentary Short for his project ‘Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó’.

Producing Team Behind ‘Dídi’

The film has been produced by López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, and Wang. Serving as executive producers are Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Robina Riccitiello, Joan Chen, Chris Columbus, Eleanor Columbus, Dave A. Liu, and Jennifer J. Pritzker, with negotiations by WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the creators.

Wrappin Up

The acquisition of Sean Wang’s debut feature ‘Dídi’ by Focus Features promises a global stage for this touching coming-of-age tale. The audience reception and critical acclaim it has already garnered bear testament to the film’s power, and we can’t wait for wider audiences to experience it across the globe. To stay updated on the latest in film and entertainment, make sure to check out HitPlay.