The Making of DÌDI (弟弟)

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Join us for a conversation all about DÌDI (弟弟), the phenomenal coming-of-age feature film that has captured the attention of audiences everywhere. In this live podcast edition, we’ll discuss the behind-the-scenes with filmmaker Sean Wang and producers Josh Peters and Valerie Bush about how they brought this powerful story to life. From the initial script to its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, you’ll get to learn about how this hit indie film made its way to theaters around the world.

Moderated by Players Podcast hosts Imani Davis and Demma Strausbaugh!

PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Sean Wang

Sean Wang is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker currently based in Los Angeles. He is a Google Creative Lab 5 alum, former Sundance Ignite Fellow, and 2023 Sundance Screenwriters & Directors Lab Fellow.

His most recent short, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (Grandma & Grandma), premiered at SXSW 2023 where it won the Grand Jury Prize & Audience Award. It went on to win Jury awards at AFI Fest & SIFF, and was nominated for an Academy Award. It is currently streaming on Disney+ & Hulu.

His debut feature film, DÌDI (弟弟), premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast, and was acquired by Focus Features. It was released in the summer of 2024 to critical acclaim.

Josh Peters

Josh Peters is an American film producer. He has produced THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019), UNCLE FRANK (2020), SOFT & QUIET (2022), MUTT (2023), and DÌDI (2024). Peters attended University of California, Los Angeles receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Peters previously served as the director of acquisitions at Focus Features. Peters has served as an executive producer on THE LIGHTHOUSE directed by Robert Eggers, and UNCLE FRANK directed by Alan Ball, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. In 2022, Peters co-founded the production company Spark Features alongside Robina Riccitello. Under the banner, he has served as a producer on films including MUTT and DÌDI.

Valerie Bush

Valerie Bush, a seasoned producer from San Diego, brings a wealth of expertise in budgeting and guiding production teams seamlessly from initial conception to the final touches in post-production. Most recent, Valerie has been producing DÌDI (弟弟), a feature that premiered at Sundance 2024 and was picked up by FOCUS Features with a theatrical release scheduled for July 2024. Valerie’s portfolio includes not just the forthcoming DÌDI (弟弟) but also her role as a line producer for FREMONT, a standout feature that premiered at Sundance 2023 which took home the John Cassavetes Award at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards. She also contributed her talent to the acclaimed A24 and PASTEL collaboration, ALL DIRT ROADS TASTE OF SALT.

Valerie has had a rapid ascent within the narrative landscape, but her journey began in the vibrant world of short-form commercials and music videos. Her work includes renowned clients such as YSL, NBA2k, WWE, Levis, Lexus, Kelly Clarkson, twenty one pilots, Olivia Rodrigo, and Michael Bublé, to name a few. Her works have collectively gained over 300 million views across social media platforms and garnered global exposure through broadcast and print. Valerie embodies a rare blend of creative vision and logistical prowess, propelling her productions to success. Her dedication to storytelling, coupled with her ability to orchestrate a seamless production, marks her as a rising producer in the industry.