Yao Chen Reflects on Jury Role, Film Production, and Acting Future: Transition from Virtual Assistant to Content Writer

September 30, 2025

Pingyao, China – Celebrated chinese Actress and Producer Yao Chen has returned to the Pingyao International Film Festival, but this time in a new capacity, serving as a juror for the esteemed Roberto Rossellini Awards. Her participation offers a unique viewpoint on the present state of the film industry and the vital role of emerging filmmakers.

A Collective Predicament Facing Global Cinema

Chen articulated concerns regarding the current difficulties confronting the film market, extending beyond China’s borders. “I believe not only the Chinese market is facing challenges globally,” she stated, emphasizing a widespread struggle for the industry’s resilience. “If the fortress of cinema cannot withstand the shock, no one in that castle can protect itself.” According to a recent report by the Motion Picture Association,global box office revenue in 2024 saw a modest 3% increase,indicating a slow recovery post-pandemic,with streaming services continuing to disrupt conventional distribution models.

New Cinematic Languages and emerging Filmmakers

As a juror,Yao Chen expressed her enthusiasm for the innovative approaches demonstrated by young filmmakers. She specifically highlighted the work of Akinola Davies,whose Nigerian film “My Father’s Shadow” garnered the Best Director award at Pingyao,following its recognition at the Cannes Film Festival. Chen noted the film’s captivating blend of traditional and experimental techniques,utilizing Kodak stock to create a dreamlike aesthetic and explore a fresh cinematic language.

Yao Chen: A Dual Force in the Industry

Yao Chen has established herself as a meaningful figure in Chinese cinema, celebrated for her compelling performances and dedication to socially conscious storytelling. Beginning with her breakout role in the television series “My Own Swordsman,” she transitioned to film, starring in acclaimed projects such as “Caught in the Web” and “Lost, Found.”

Beyond her acting career, Chen co-founded Bad Rabbit Pictures, a production company committed to amplifying diverse voices and shedding light on often-overlooked narratives. She collaborates with cinematographer Cao Yu and producer Liu Hui to produce films that examine the interconnectedness of humanity, spirituality, and the natural world.

Navigating Challenges for Arthouse Films

Bad Rabbit Pictures has supported critically acclaimed arthouse films like Huo Meng’s “Living the Land,” which earned the Best Director prize at the Berlinale,and Rima Das’ Busan winner “Village Rockstars 2.” Chen acknowledged the growing hurdles faced by autonomous films in reaching wider audiences. She explained the company’s emphasis on strategic timing and distribution to maximize the impact of these films within the current market landscape.

“In recent years, the environment or the living space for arthouse films have been narrower and narrower,” she observed. “We are always in search of solutions to the problems one after another, so we have trained ourselves to be better problem solvers.”

A Continued Commitment to Storytelling

Yao Chen remains dedicated to both performing and producing, expressing her desire to integrate both roles in future projects. “Over the years, I have produced many films where I cannot act, but that is also one of my ways of expression,” she explained. “for the next project I would look for a project where I can both produce and also help to create, so that I can be in better control of the quality of creation.” She added, with a smile, her aspiration to continue acting for many years to come.

The evolving Landscape of global Film

The global film industry is undergoing a period of significant conversion,driven by the rise of streaming platforms,changing audience preferences,and economic uncertainty. Independent and arthouse films, in particular, face mounting challenges in securing distribution and reaching broad audiences. However, filmmakers and producers like yao Chen are actively seeking innovative solutions to navigate these obstacles and ensure the continued vitality of diverse cinematic voices.

Film	Director	Awards/recognition
My Father’s Shadow	akinola Davies	Pingyao International Film Festival Best Director, Cannes Special Mention
Living the Land	Huo Meng	berlinale Best director
Village Rockstars 2	Rima Das	Busan Film Festival Winner

Did You Know? Streaming services now account for over 30% of total entertainment spending globally, according to a Deloitte report from Q1 2025.

Pro Tip: Filmmakers seeking wider distribution should consider exploring hybrid release strategies,combining theatrical runs with streaming platform availability.

Frequently asked questions About Yao Chen and the Future of Cinema

• What is Yao Chen best known for? Yao chen is a highly acclaimed Chinese Actress and Producer known for her powerful performances and commitment to socially resonant storytelling.
• What role did Yao chen play at the Pingyao International Film Festival? She served as a Juror for the Roberto Rossellini Awards competition for international films.
• What challenges is the global film industry facing? The industry is facing challenges related to market fluctuations, the rise of streaming, and difficulties in distributing independent films.
• What is the Bad Rabbit Pictures production company focused on? Bad Rabbit Pictures focuses on championing diverse voices and producing socially conscious films.
• What is Yao Chen’s approach to producing arthouse films? She emphasizes strategic timing, problem-solving, and finding the right audience for these films.
• How is the rise of streaming impacting the film industry? Streaming services are changing traditional distribution models and creating both opportunities and challenges for filmmakers.
• What’s the importance of “My Father’s Shadow” winning at pingyao? It highlights a rising wave of fresh cinematic languages from new filmmakers around the world.

What are your thoughts on the challenges facing the global film industry? Do you think streaming services are ultimately beneficial or detrimental to independent cinema?

Share your opinions and join the conversation!

How can actors leverage jury duty at film festivals to refine their understanding of storytelling and influence future role selections?

Yao Chen Reflects on Jury Role, Film Production, and Acting Future

From Festival Circuit to Future Roles: Yao Chen’s recent Activities

yao Chen, a prominent figure in chinese cinema, has been actively engaged in a diverse range of projects recently, signaling a continued commitment to both artistic exploration and industry contribution. Beyond her well-known acting roles, Chen has served as a jury member at prestigious film festivals and ventured into film production, alongside contemplating her future direction as a performer. This multifaceted approach highlights a seasoned professional navigating a dynamic career landscape.

Jury Duty and the Evolution of Cinematic Taste

In 2024, yao Chen served on the jury for the First International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM). This experience provided valuable insight into the selection process of high-quality films and the evolving trends within international cinema.

* Impact of Jury Roles: Serving on juries isn’t just about selecting winners; it’s a crucial learning experience. It exposes actors to diverse filmmaking styles,narratives,and technical approaches.

* IFFAM Meaning: IFFAM is increasingly recognized as a key platform for showcasing emerging talent and fostering collaboration within the asian film industry. Yao Chen’s participation underscored her commitment to supporting this growth.

* Critical eye growth: The process of evaluating films critically hones an actor’s own understanding of storytelling and performance,potentially influencing future role choices.

Stepping Behind the Camera: Yao Chen’s Film Production Ventures

Yao Chen’s involvement extends beyond acting and judging. She has actively participated in film production, demonstrating a desire to shape narratives from a broader perspective. While specific details of her production roles are often kept private, her involvement suggests a strategic move towards greater creative control.

* Producerial Roles: Taking on producer roles allows actors to influence casting, script development, and overall project direction.

* Autonomous Filmmaking: Many Chinese actors are now investing in independent film projects, fostering a more diverse and experimental cinematic landscape.

* Financial Investment & Creative Control: Production involvement often signifies a financial stake in the project,granting greater creative autonomy.

Reflecting on Past Roles and Future Acting Aspirations

Yao Chen’s career has been marked by a willingness to tackle challenging and diverse roles.from her breakout performance in Stranger Me to her more recent work, she has consistently demonstrated versatility. Looking ahead, she’s expressed a desire to continue exploring roles that resonate with her personally and contribute to meaningful storytelling.

* Notable Performances: Stranger me (2006) remains a landmark role,establishing her as a leading actress. subsequent roles in films like Sophie’s Revenge (2010) and Don’t Call Me ‘niu’ (2017) showcased her range.

* Character-Driven Choices: Chen has consistently prioritized roles that offer depth and complexity, allowing her to explore nuanced characters.

* Genre Preferences: While adept at comedy, she has also demonstrated a talent for dramatic roles, indicating a desire to avoid being typecast.

* Future Role Considerations: In interviews, Yao Chen has indicated a preference for projects that address contemporary social issues and offer opportunities for artistic collaboration.

The Changing Landscape of Chinese Cinema & Acting Opportunities

The Chinese film industry is undergoing important transformation, with increasing demand for high-quality content and a growing international audience. This presents both challenges and opportunities for actors like Yao Chen.

* Rise of Streaming Platforms: The proliferation of streaming services has created new avenues for content creation and distribution, expanding the demand for actors.

* Co-Production Opportunities: Increased collaboration between Chinese filmmakers and international production companies is opening doors to global projects.

* Emphasis on Storytelling: Audiences are increasingly discerning, demanding compelling narratives and authentic performances.

* Competition & Talent Pool: The industry is becoming more competitive,requiring actors to continually refine their skills and seek out unique opportunities.

Benefits of Diversification for actors

Yao Chen’s multifaceted career path – acting, jury duty, and production – exemplifies a smart strategy for long-term success in the entertainment industry.

* Increased Creative Control: Production roles empower actors to shape projects from inception to completion.

* Enhanced Industry Knowledge: Jury duty provides invaluable insights into the filmmaking process and the evolving tastes of audiences.

* Financial Stability: Diversifying income streams reduces reliance on acting roles alone.

* Expanded Network: Collaboration with filmmakers and industry professionals broadens an actor’s network and opens doors to new opportunities.

Practical Tips for Actors Seeking Similar Diversification

For actors aspiring to follow a similar path, here are some practical steps:

1. Develop a Strong Network: attend industry events, workshops, and festivals to connect with filmmakers and producers.
2. Seek Mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals who have successfully diversified their careers.
3. Invest in Education: Consider taking courses in film production, screenwriting, or film criticism.
4. Start Small: Begin with small-scale production projects to gain experience and build a portfolio.
5. be Proactive: Actively seek out opportunities to contribute to the industry in new and meaningful ways.