Joan Chen: From Stage‑Lights to Director‑Lights
Joan Chen walked into the Singapore International Film Festival with a sparkle in her eye, clutching the Cinema Legend Award—a fitting honor after a career that has danced across Asian, European and Hollywood screens.
Spotlight on the Legend
- Decades of acting: from traditional Chinese dramas to big‑budget Hollywood blockbusters.
- Producing and directing gems like The Home Song Stories and Red Rose White Rose.
- Recently turned director of the English‑language feature English, available next year.
Why She’d “Hope She Hasn’t Played Her Yet”
During the award ceremony, Chen quipped, “I hope I haven’t played her yet.” It’s a playful nod—“her” referring to the next character she’s about to direct. The irony? She’s already poured herself into countless roles, but a fresh project now feels like uncharted territory.
Embracing the Director’s Chair
She shared that the world of filmmaking constantly asks us to give birth to ourselves repeatedly. At first glance, that may seem a little too poetic, but this veteran actress thinks that’s exactly what it’s about—transforming, re‑imagining, and always being a little daring.
- She said her shift into directing came spontaneously, not from a pre‑planned career roadmap.
- Inspired by a novel from a close friend.
- It wasn’t “career planning” at all—just a fiery need to tell a story.
Next Up: “English” – A Cultural Revolution Tale
The new film—stylised in bold as English—focuses on a boy who, amid the Cultural Revolution’s hardships, learns the language. Chen, who herself learned English during a similar wave of opening up, felt a deep personal connection to this era.
She said, “It opened up windows. It opened up my imagination. It makes you dream.”
That sentiment reflects the film’s heart: a story of resilience, curiosity and the power of knowledge to break barriers.
Starring
- Wang Zhiwen
- Yuan Quan
- Huo Siyan
On the Singapore Stage – A Dialogue at the National Museum
During her visit, Chen sat down with local film enthusiasts at the National Museum of Singapore (Dec 8) for an engaging discussion about her journey—from ten years of acting to stepping behind the camera.
Take a step back and realise how the veteran artist’s life path has been shaped by a constant desire to create and re‑create. For Joan Chen, the award is not just personal triumph—it’s also a push for others in the industry to explore new avenues and dream big.
