NAVIGATING ADOLESCENCE: IDENTITY FORMATION IN A CROSS-CULTURAL ADOLESCENT AS PORTRAYED IN SEAN WANG’S DÌDI (??)

The surrounding sociocultural environment plays a big role in the identity formation that occurs in adolescence. Navigating adolescence and forming an identity can be challenging, particularly for immigrants who are exposed to two or more different cultural influences. This qualitative study, conducted using descriptive analysis method, applies psychosocial development theory as an approach to explore how Sean Wang depicted the challenges that adolescents with cross-cultural identity must face in the process of identity formation as represented by a Taiwanese-American adolescent in the film Dìdi (2024). The analysis proves that in the process of his identity formation, Chris faces numerous challenges tied to his identity as an immigrant, such as the dominant majority's views and discrimination that lead to internalized racism and family cultural values that are not in line with his personal aspirations. The present study argues that understanding the effects of cross-cultural identity on adolescents’ identity formation and how the process is represented in film can serve as a supportive medium for other adolescents with cross-cultural identities in navigating their adolescence in a positive direction.Keywords: Adolescent, Cross-cultural identity, Film, Identity Formation, Immigrant