Oscar Winner Domee Shi's Bao: a reflection of Chinese parenting

By Yuling Chen, iChongqing News

China-born Domee Shi's Bao has won the Best Short Film (Animated) at Oscars 2019.  And it goes viral both in terms of her onstage speech and backstage interview. The first female director of a Pixar short sent an encouraging message to girls around the world. Moreover, her film, as a microcosm, reflects Chinese parenting themed with love, family and food.

Domee Shi (R) and Becky Neiman-Cobb at the backstage interview (Photo credit to Oscars 2019)

“You’re going to freak people out”

As it always is, Oscars are full of excitement and excellence, and also, expressions of gratitude. Domee Shi thanked persons who mean a lot to her. More importantly, the ground-breaking girl sent a message “to all of the nerdy girls out there who hide behind their sketchbooks, don’t be afraid to tell your story to the world”. “You’re going to freak people out, but you’ll probably connect with them too, and that’s an amazing feeling to have,” continued the Oscar winner. 

Actually, the director’s past sailing was anything but a plain one. She was afraid of public speaking, but volunteered to do speaking engagements at schools or events. What does not kill one make him or her stronger. The one thing that has helped Shi along the way is that she always tried to challenge herself by putting herself in uncomfortable situations.

So the use-to-be-shy girl answered “looking up” when asked that from up there with those Oscars, what does the road look like for women in animation. 

"I think I understand her a little bit better"

The Oscar winner of Bao has become a hit not only because of its artistic achievement but also as a microcosm of Chinese parenting. Audiences’ opinions on the film full of Chinese cultural elements are divided--touched words and criticism at the same time, especially in China.

Viewers watching in tears say that they resemble little Bao, the dumpling boy. What is the resemblance? Director Domee Shi may provide a good explanation. “I kind of took it for granted,” said at the backstage interview of Oscars 2019.  “Like I took my mom making dumplings for granted when I was growing up.  She would just pop them out so quickly.  But, you know, after having to film her and study her technique, you are like, oh, my gosh, so much work and effort, and love, and sweat, and tears goes into making it.” The director, also a daughter, took herself as an example. “Through making this short, I think I understand her a little bit better,” added the daughter.

Meanwhile, some criticized Mom being over-protective and smothering Bao too extreme. "Why does Mom choose to destroy Bao in stead of letting him go?” A Twitter-like Sina Weibo user expressed such an opinion after watching the short film.

Maybe, Mark Twin offers an answer, it depending on your acceptance or not, that “My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”

Relevant links:

https://www.ichongqing.info/arts-culture/arts-culture-news/congrats-chongqing-born-domee-shis-bao-wins-oscars-2019-best-animated-short/

https://www.ichongqing.info/events/ichongqing-exclusive-interview-oscar-nominee-domee-shi-i-hope-to-keep-making-you-all-proud-and-hungry-in-the-future/

https://www.ichongqing.info/arts-culture/2019-oscars-nominee-domee-shi-creates-bao-rooted-in-chinese-culture/