Xiwen Miao
Farewell Symphony
Project StatemenT
After auditioning and receiving a job offer from a prestigious Chicago based orchestra to become a professional cellist, Yang Yang will struggle to find support from her loved ones as she decides to pursue her dream of becoming a musician far away from her home in Hefei, China. Her family’s views on women and their conservative values end up pushing Yang Yang away, across the ocean. She will only find understanding and unconditional love in her grandfather, who will back her fight for independence, as she leaves her home and land behind, hoping to create a better future for herself. Strong women always pay a higher price.
Artist Biography
Xiwen Miao is an award-winning New York-based writer/director. Growing up in Eastern culture and being influenced by Western culture gives her a unique understanding of the relationship between society and individuals. Her global experience makes her extremely sensitive to the human condition and what makes us who we really are. Her work explores social issues and people's true nature behind closed doors and among the ones who love you the most. When she is not working, you can find her walking around the city, capturing stills of real-life and, of course, rooting for the Chicago Cubs.