1. The Day That Fell Apart
Domee Shi had just started middle school and was buzzing with newfound friends. She felt like a million bucks, confident, and oddly brilliant.
That perfect day cracked open when she spotted a woman—her mom—hidden behind a tree, clearly following her to school.
“I looked up, and there she was, sunglasses on, probably thinking I wouldn’t recognize her. She stepped out and said, ‘Just worried about you, Domee. Go play with your friends, I’ll watch from here.’I responded, ‘Mum, what are you doing?’”The footage from a recent AsiaOne virtual interview with Domee for her Pixar film Turning Red is unforgettable. The incident is now famous as a “tiger mom” moment—a story that still haunts her dreams.
2. Turning Turning Red into a Personal Narrative
Despite that embarrassing episode, Domee and her mother share an exceptionally close bond. She added the saga into Turning Red’s storyline to explore:
“Every parent has reasons for guarding their child. Turning Turning Red is my way of understanding where those sentiments come from—mine, my mom’s, and the world’s.”
3. The Film’s Core: Asian‑Western Identity Clash
The plot follows Meilin Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chiang), a confident yet slightly geeky 13‑year‑old who:
Waking up one day, Meilin transforms into a red panda whenever her emotions take over—a planetary anomaly she inherits from her relatives. She can only return to normal after calming herself.
At the heart of the spectacle lies a balanced dialogue about Eastern (Asian) vs Western values—a conflict that’s very real in contemporary Singapore.
4. Cultural Co‑existence—Domee’s Take
Born in China and moving to Canada at age two, Domee reflects on the tug‑of‑war between cultures. She encourages future generations to appreciate both sides without guilt:
“I’ve learned that we’ll always swing between the two worlds—a lifelong struggle, but it’s okay. Sometimes we lean more Western, sometimes more culturally rooted.”
Lindsey Collins, present during the interview, shared that working with Domee and the crew offered a deeper understanding of this cross‑cultural equilibrium—something she feels she’s missing in her own life.
5. Takeaway
Remember: even when your parent steps out in sunglasses at school, it’s all part of the adventure of figuring who you’re meant to become.Happy growing!
Growing Up Under a Red Panda’s Watchful Eye
While sipping her tea, the interviewee noted that many teens, especially first‑generation immigrants, feel the pull of two cultures pulling at their heart. “It’s like juggling two stacks of sushi at once—one has to be careful not to drop either,” she laughed, adding that puberty, once again, is a giant red panda of its own, bringing an extra slice of stress.
Why the Red Panda Matters
The film’s titular creature isn’t just a cute critter; it’s a clever metaphor for the hormonal roller coaster. “We’re saying, ‘Hey, emotional! Unexpected heightening? No worries, you’ve got a fur‑friendly guide!’” she mused.
Key Takeaways
- First‑generation teens often find themselves twinning the spice of their heritage with the fresh flavors of their new country.
- Puberty is the spike‑on‑top‑the‑spice—extra anxiety that drives homes in hot houses.
- Surprisingly, watching Turning Red could be the perfect companion to help untangle this mix.
Don’t Miss Out: Streaming Soon!
The full conversation can be watched in the video above. Turning Red will land on Disney+ on March 11, so grab your remote and get ready for a heart‑warming, joke‑filled ride through the swirl of adolescence.
