BAO is a short-film which preceded screenings of The Incredibles 2, it's director Domee Shi recently discussed the possibility of directing a full feature-length film at Pixar - and as it turns out, she has something in the works.
The short focuses on an aging Chinese mother suffering from empty nest syndrome who gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever.
Thus far, the 7-minute film has been met with overwhelming praise - it seeming to be an emotional rollercoaster which will have you laughing and crying.
And with such success, one can only imagine that Pixar would like to nurture Shi's direction further - perhaps even providing her the reins on her own full-on movie. In fact, based on a recent interview with Screen Rant, that sounds like exactly where Shi's headed.
Upon being asked about her next project, Shi had this to say:
Well, actually I am working on a potential feature. My own feature film idea right now at Pixar in development. So, I'm excited to see where that will go. I'm excited because the 90-minute story format is, it's a huge challenge. But I can try out a bunch of different things.
Shi was asked what her experience at Pixar was like as well as what it's like to be the studio's first female short-director.
It's been nuts. I also hope I'm the first of many female Pixar film directors, many feature film directors. I think it's about time. So, I'm really excited.
Asked what she learned whilst working at Pixar, Shi had this valuable piece of knowledge to share:
I learned that the biggest thing I learned was I always want the audience to be reacting to something on the screen. If they're kind of just staring at the screen and information is being presented to them, then it's not working. And it's been so great because the short films, I feel like are such a great training ground for feature films in the future. And, but they're kind of like everything in a feature but just condensed. So, it was really awesome to just get to experience the whole pipeline, but in this little bite size piece.
I found out that I just really like getting reactions out of people. It's been such a thrill, sitting in the theaters and listening to people laugh at jokes that you told four years ago. And you're like, “Yes, this is great, this feels so good.” Or like when they gasp or when they cry. That to me is what filmmaking is. It's getting that reaction out of people. Because that means that whatever you're working on is connecting with them. So, I want to keep doing that.
What do you think about Shi's comments? Have you seen Bao? If so, what did you think of it? Would you like to see a full feature from Shi?