The Making of Finding Yiyi

By Kim Caicedo

Directing Finding Yiyi was a deeply personal and affirming experience. We set out to tell a quiet, hopeful story about rediscovery and the courage it takes to begin again later in life. From the beginning, it was important to ground the film in intimacy—through stillness, food, and memory—and our process reflected that. We worked with a small, dedicated crew to bring warmth and emotional nuance to every frame, focusing on natural performances and lived-in details. The grocery store became more than just a location—it was transformed into a crossroads of past and possibility. One of the most meaningful parts of the shoot was witnessing our lead actress channel both vulnerability and resilience, creating a character whose arc felt real and earned. Like Yiyi, this film was a labor of love, crafted with patience, care, and the belief that it’s never too late to reconnect—with others or with ourselves.

This project came to me through Bao Le Cheok—our brilliant cinematographer and the writer who originated the story. Bao brought me on board to help tell this story that was so close to her heart, and trusted me to bring it to life with care. We collaborated closely throughout the process, writing and designing an experience that felt sincere and grounded. Bao’s eye for emotional detail and her intuitive sense of framing brought a gentle, poetic language to the film. Her cinematography doesn’t just capture the characters—it allows the audience to feel them.

I was also lucky to work with an incredible team behind the scenes. Michelle Levinger, our producer, brought a quiet strength to every stage of production. Her grace, foresight, and unwavering support ensured that the creative team had the space we needed to do our best work. And in post, editor Attila Tayefeh Ghalehbegi helped shape the rhythm of the film with immense sensitivity. He knew when to let silence speak, when to linger on a glance, and how to honor the emotional beats we built on set.

Finding Yiyi is about food and memory, but it’s also about connection—missed and remade. It’s a story that reminds us that transformation can happen in the softest of moments. As a director, it was a gift to guide this film into being, surrounded by collaborators who led with heart.

This film is a quiet celebration of late bloomers, second chances, and the small acts of grace that change everything. I’m so proud of what we created together, and I hope Yiyi’s journey reminds others that it’s never too late to start again.