Renowned Chinese actress and producer Yao Chen has taken on a new role at the Pingyao International Film Festival, serving as a juror for the Roberto Rossellini Awards. With her extensive experience in the film industry, Chen provides valuable insights into global cinema, emphasizing the challenges it faces and her commitment to fostering diverse voices. Balancing her impressive acting career with her production ventures, Yao Chen continues to be a significant influence in both local and international film landscapes.
Yao Chen’s Insight on Global Cinema Challenges
This year, Yao Chen served as a juror at the Pingyao International Film Festival, evaluating entries for the prestigious Roberto Rossellini Awards. Her experience offered a deeper understanding of global cinema’s current situation. “I believe not only the Chinese market is facing challenges globally. I think it is a collective predicament,” Yao observed, noting how the cinematic world is in a delicate balance. “If the fortress of cinema cannot withstand the shock, no one in that castle can protect itself,” she remarked, highlighting the intricate challenges faced worldwide.
Championing New Cinematic Voices
As a juror, Yao was particularly inspired by emerging filmmakers and their innovative approaches. She referenced Akinola Davies’ Nigerian film “My Father’s Shadow,” which won the best director award at Pingyao after a special mention at Cannes. The film’s use of traditional Kodak film to craft dreamlike visuals exemplified what she described as “exploring a novel cinematic language.” This innovation signals a promising direction for global cinema, in Yao’s view.
Balancing Acting and Producing
Yao Chen, celebrated for her potent performances and dedicated activism, has forged a significant path as both an acclaimed actress and a thoughtful producer. She rose to stardom with the series “My Own Swordsman” and has starred in hits such as “Caught in the Web” and “Lost, Found.” Additionally, through her production company, Bad Rabbit Pictures, Yao, along with Cao Yu and Liu Hui, supports projects that delve into meaningful narratives and emphasize women’s voices.
Her production slate includes arthouse successes like Huo Meng’s “Living the Land,” which received accolades at the Berlinale, and Rima Das’ “Village Rockstars 2,” a Busan winner. Despite market challenges, Yao remains committed to finding the right opportunity to introduce these films to Chinese audiences.
A Future in Front of and Behind the Camera
Committed to her dual roles, Yao stressed the importance of continuing her work both in front of and behind the camera. “Over the years, I have produced many films where I cannot act, but that is also one of my ways of expression,” she explained. Her future projects aim to combine her skills as both actress and producer, allowing her greater creative control. Yao quipped, “I hope I get to hang around in front of the lenses of the camera until I get totally aged,” capturing her ongoing passion for performance.
Through her work at the Pingyao International Film Festival and beyond, Yao Chen remains a passionate advocate for cinema, determined to nurture its diverse expressions while navigating the challenges of a constantly evolving industry.
