Never Fade Away
2024 NOMINEE - BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
2023
United States / China
12 mins
Documentary Film Competition
| Donna Weng Friedman | |
| Donna Weng Friedman | |
| Chun Wai Chan (Sin Tzu Weng), Xiaoxiao Cao (Rosalta Li Weng), Donna Weng Friedman (self and Rosalta Li Weng), Mijo Chang (Young Donna) |
‘Never Fade Away’ is the moving true story about a young Chinese immigrant who escapes his homeland in the 1940’s during the Japanese Invasion, comes to America with nothing but his hopes and dreams, and how a radio and a waltz changes his life. Told through narration, music and dance, this short film shines a light on the healing power of music as well as the power of the immigrant experience. Featuring history-making dancer Chun Wai Chan and the exquisite ballerina Xiaoxiao Cao, their stunning pas de deux at the end will take your breath away. This story of heritage will bring you to tears and the music and dance will make your heart soar. Stories like this are the ties that bind, and should Never Fade Away.
About the Director
Donna Weng Friedman enjoys a distinguished career as a pianist, educator, curator, producer and filmmaker. She was inducted into the 2023 Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. Donna wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary short ‘Never Fade Away’ featuring history making dancer Chun Wai Chan, and won the Women Who Innovate Grant 2023 for her “impactful and meaningful” work. Her EP ‘Heritage and Harmony: Silver Linings’, won two Silver Medals at the 2022 Global Music Awards.
Reviews
Ariel Rivka Dance Independence Day – Critical Dance, by Jerry Hochman
Never Fade Away Connects the Past with Music – All Arts, by Britt Stigler
Donna Weng Friedman and Ariel Grossman: Never Fade Away – Women Around Town, by Maria-Cristina Necula
Chun Wai Chan Talks About His Role in Never Fade Away – Pointe Magazine, by April Deocariza
History-making Dancer to Star in Never Fade Away – Broadway World, by Stephi Wild
Interviews
Photos (Click on Photo to View)
