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It was a truly stellar night for the team behind Disney Pixar’s ‘Bao” at the 91st Academy Awards last night.‘Bao’ which was helmed by Toronto native Domee Shi-won for Best Animated Short earning her very first Oscar. This was also the first Pixar short to be directed by a woman.
‘Bao’ tells the story of a Chinese-Canadian mother who finds herself lonely. Much to her surprise one of the dumplings she cooks comes to life offering her another chance to raise a child. Unfortunately, when the dumpling begins to grow up and wants independence it causes a rift.
This short made its debut alongside The Incredibles 2 and instantly won the hearts of all who saw it. I loved the acceptance speech Shi gave encouraging other young animators to follow in her footsteps.
“For all of the nerdy girls who hide behind their sketchbooks, don’t be afraid to tell your stories 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.”
Shi actually went to Sheridan College located right here in Toronto and ‘Bao’ even takes place in Toronto. Her mother was actually a creative consultant on the film. It illustrates Shi’s own struggles growing up and feeling suffocated by her own mother, all things that play out in ‘Bao‘. It even illustrates the Chinese-Canadian culture and community beautifully. As a native Torontonian myself it was so nice to see my city and country represented last night. Congratulations to Shi and her team.
