By Yuling Chen, iChongqing News
On the evening of January 24, 2019, Chongqing-born Domee Shi’s Bao won Oscar for Best Animated Short in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, the United States. The Oscar night has witnessed many firsts with Shi being one of them. It’s a piece of mind-blowing news for herself and Becky Neiman Cobb as Bao’s producer and for Pixar. Chongqing in Southwest China as her hometown is proud of her.
Domee Shi (R) and Becky Neiman Cobb, winners of Best Short Film (Animated) award for Bao (Photo from Oscars 2019)
“To all of the nerdy girls out there who hide behind their sketchbooks - don’t be afraid to tell your stories to the world,” Shi said after she accepted the Best Animated Short at Oscars 2019.
Moreover, at the Oscars 2019 Press Room, Domee answered, “One of the great things about being able to make Bao is I got to do a lot of research and really dive into my heritage,” when asked about Chinese heritage and culture.
Some echoed what Domee Shi replied to iChongqing’s exclusive interview. Specifically, Shi mentioned that one of the very first images that popped into her head while writing Bao was the mother eating her bao in desperation. "That moment was also inspired by my mother," Shi explained. Additionally, her mother would often say "Oh Domee, I wish I could put you back in my stomach so I can keep you with me forever!"
"the Oscar is for you both"
Shi’s parents have a large influence on her growing up and career.
Family photo of Domee Shi (C) with her father (Left One) and her mother (Right One) (Photo from The Cover)
According to Chongqing local media, Le Shi, now living in Toronto, Canada, shared Shi’s gratitude for him and his wife minutes after the awarding. “The Oscar is for you both. Thank you for bringing me up. Thank you, daddy, for teaching me art, and mom for cooking delicious food.” The Oscar winner called her parents after she got the news in the U.S.
Almost meanwhile, Domee’s mom Ningsha Zhong, an important inspiration for the creation of Bao shared her happiness with iChongqing. “The Oscar Award is not only a confirmation of Domee’s artistic works but also a contribution to her hometown (Chongqing),” Zhong said.
The Best Animated Short Bao and Chinese cultural elements
In Bao, an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Additionally, the Best Animated Short contains many Chinese elements, including the story itself and some interior ornaments. In fact, delicious meals delicately prepared always serve as a common way for Chinese mothers to show love. As the director explains that Bao not only stands for Baozi (steamed bun) but also means treasure.
Relevant links:
iChongqing Exclusive Interview Oscars Nominee Domee Shi: I hope to keep making you all proud and hungry in the future
2019 Oscars Nominee Domee Shi Creates Bao Rooted in Chinese Culture