Philadelphia Film Society

See something you'll never forget

PFF SPRINGFEST – THE FAREWELL

LULU WANG | USA | ENGLISH, MANDARIN | 2019 | 98 MIN

One of the most celebrated and emotionally-stirring films from this year’s Sundance, The Farewell is a tragicomedy based on writer/director Lulu Wang’s own stranger-than-fiction experiences, and features an astounding, versatile performance from Crazy Rich Asians breakout Awkwafina. When a Chinese-American family learns of their grandmother’s terminal illness, they decide to stage an impromptu fake wedding in hopes of reuniting the large, estranged family in China one last time. Keeping their suspicious grandmother Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen) in the dark proves most difficult for Billi (Awkwafina), who holds her own secrets and struggles with her experiences as a first-generation American straddling disparate cultures. Yet as the wedding day approaches, the elaborate ruse proves to be only the catalyst for an authentic, and often comedic, study of generational and cultural clashes that rings true for so many families today.

Cast: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen

Part of PFF SPRINGFEST April 12-14 at the Philadelphia Film Center
With PFF SpringFest, the Philadelphia Film Society presents a mid-year survey of the freshest cinematic marvels from the international festival circuit–from American indie darlings and eye-opening documentaries to acclaimed foreign titles. Browse the full program HERE.

To purchase a PFF SPRINGFEST Badge CLICK HERE!

All sales are final. No refunds, returns, or exchanges. No vouchers or passes accepted at PFF SpringFest screenings. Ticket does not guarantee admission after scheduled start time.