Here’s what you need to know about Awkwafina’s new film The Farewell
Awkwafina has come a long way since her 2014 viral video My Vag. Having starred in female-led blockbuster Ocean’s Eight, Asian American-led Hollywood first Crazy Rich Asians and upcoming epic Jumanji 2, Awkwafina’s film resume is formidable.
Now, the 29-year-old star is promoting her newest film The Farewell, which was screened as part of the US Dramatic Competition section at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Most recently, Awkwafina appeared at the 2019 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival on Wednesday to participate in a photo call for the film.
The Farewell is based on writer-director Lulu Wang’s life experiences. Wang discussed her life in a podcast titled ‘What You Don’t Know’ on radio show ‘This American Life’ in 2017.
Awkwafina stars as a Chinese American woman named Billi who returns to China to visit her grandmother who is suffering from cancer. Billi clashes with her family who decide to keep her grandmother in the dark about her illness. Culture clashes and family are themes deeply explored in this touching tale.
The film received praising reviews for its portrayal of the immigrant life and the mixed culture dynamic.
Rush Hour actor Tzi Ma stars as Billi’s father Haiyan. Diana Lin also stars as Billi’s mother Jian. Zhao Shuzhen plays the role of Nai Nai – Billi’s grandmother.
Lu Hong plays Little Nai Nai, Billi’s grandmother’s younger sister, Jiang Yongbo plays Haibin, Haiyan’s older brother, Chen Han plays Hao Hao, Haibin’s son and Aoi Mizuhara as Aiko, Hao Hao’s girlfriend.
In the trailer, Billi is seen battling with the conflict about hiding the truth from her grandmother. An emotional Awkwafina is seen smiling, crying and even speaking Mandarin.
The Farwell will be released on 12 July.
