The Year of the Yao is a 2004 American documentary film based on basketball player Yao Ming's first year in the United States. The film is narrated by his friend and former interpreter Colin Pine, who stayed with Yao during Yao's rookie year, and interpreted for him for three years.The film made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2004, and was theatrically released by Fine Line Features in the United States on April 15, 2005. The film received generally positive reviews from critics.