Filmmaker Profile: BABA (爸爸) by Teresa Xie
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
Filmmaker Teresa Xie follows her little sister on their first family trip to China in six years.
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR TERESA XIE
What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?
I hope that audiences will see the complexity of intergenerational familial relationships in immigrant families!
Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?
BABA (爸爸) is about my sister’s first trip to China in six years. The film unravels her reflections on our grandfather’s passing and relationship with our parents. I wanted to dissect the experience of feeling distant from places and people so integral to your family history and the complex emotions that come with it.
Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?
Sean Wang's shorts were definitely my biggest influences, particularly 3000 Miles! And also, Carol Nguyen's No Crying at the Dinner Table!
Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?
I made this film for myself and for my family, so having the opportunity to have it screened in front of a larger audience feels surreal and super validating.
What’s the last film you watched?
War for the Planet of the Apes (lol)
Teresa Xie (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and journalist who reports on culture, politics, business — and the spaces where they intersect. She has written for publications ranging from Pitchfork to The Nation, worked on NPR’s Tiny Desk and Louder Than A Riot, and produced an audio story on the mispronunciation of Asian-American names as an AAJA Voices Fellow. Teresa is a member of independent filmmaker collective Filmshop, a 2024-2025 Bronx Documentary Center Films Fellow, and was part of BRIC’s 2024 Documentary Intensive Cohort.
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
