Hope, Dreams, and the Healing Power of Music “Never Fade Away”

In the upcoming Utah International Film Festival, a beautiful short film takes to the silver screen in the form of “Never Fade Away.” This personal short film, directed and produced by Donna Weng Friedman, takes the audience on a journey through the inspiring and moving true story of a young Chinese immigrant who braved the challenges of the 1940s Japanese Invasion to seek a new life in America.

The film, told through narration, music, and dance, revolves around the central theme of the healing power of music and the profound impact of the immigrant experience. Starring history-making dancer Chun Wai Chan and the exquisite ballerina Xiaoxiao Cao, the film crescendos into a stunning pas de deux that promises to leave audiences breathless.

At the heart of “Never Fade Away” is Donna Weng Friedman’s personal connection to the story. Friedman revealed that the narrative is a tribute to her father’s immigration journey, a tale of hope and dreams that resonated deeply with her. The decision to transform this narrative into a film was driven by the overwhelming positive response she received after sharing her father’s story online during the pandemic.

“I began to sharing his story online during the pandemic, after I was assaulted for being Asian” said Friedman. “The overwhelmingly positive response led me to consider transforming this narrative into a short film.  My hope is, that by sharing  our stories of heritage with a wider audience, more people would understand that our similarities far outweigh our differences.”

The production process, according to Friedman, was emotional as she delved into old photographs of her late parents. However, a standout moment for her was the creation of the waltz scene, a dance fantasy sequence that breathed life into the heart and soul of the film.

“ I will never forget watching the dance fantasy sequence come to life – the heart and soul of my little film- it took my breath away.” 

Challenges, as every production faces, were part of the journey. Friedman highlighted the difficulty of assembling a team that shared her vision and connected with her father’s story. Despite being a first-time filmmaker without formal training, she emphasized the importance of collaboration and the significance of having a committed “dream team.”

Reflecting on the production, Friedman expressed contentment with the filmmaking experience, acknowledging that the mistakes made were crucial for her growth as a filmmaker. 

“They have not only boosted my confidence but also equipped me with valuable insights for my future projects.”

Her advice to aspiring filmmakers is to stay authentic to their ideas, be receptive to guidance, and assemble a team that shares their vision while remaining involved in every detail of the production.

“Your story is uniquely yours, and no one else will invest in it as deeply as you will. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to devote the necessary time and care it deserves.”

To explore more of Donna Weng Friedman’s work, visit her website donnawengfriedman.com.

“Never Fade Away” has been selected as an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from February 12-17. The film will grace the screens at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT, inviting audiences to enjoy a story of heritage that, as the title suggests, should “Never Fade Away.”