From Shanghai to Seattle; locker room to living room; commercial shoot to Christmas Day, Stern and Del Deo are there to document Yao’s journey into new cultural, professional and social spaces. The resulting film is a portrait of uncommon grace under pressure, as Yao maintains his professionalism, humor and humility despite an enormous burden of expectations. THE YEAR OF THE YAO is also a story about friendship, in which two young men, a Chinese athlete and his American translator, help one another navigate their first year with the NBA. With its inbuilt drama, universal emotional themes and positive message, THE YEAR OF THE YAO is a film for everyone, however great or small their interest in basketball.