Chinese-American actress Joan Chen recently attended the 17th FIRST International Film Festival in Xining, China, where she served as the head of the jury. During her time at the festival, Chen expressed her concerns about a current wave of “correctness” that she believes is stifling the art of filmmaking. She described this movement as “the enemy of art,” arguing that conformity to what society deems as “correct” has led to a narrowing of creative scope and subject matter.
Chen urged young filmmakers to ignore societal expectations and focus on telling the stories they want to tell. She emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and urged filmmakers to break free from the constraints of correctness. According to Chen, this wave of correctness is not only occurring in China but also in the United States. She stressed the need for filmmakers to embrace creativity and authenticity in their work.
The FIRST International Film Festival is known for its focus on independent Chinese cinema and serves as a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent. Chen praised the festival for its ability to provide a space for brave and refreshing films, filled with real talent and energy. She noted that many young actors and filmmakers have been attracted to the festival due to its atmosphere, relative freedom, and vibrant energy.
Joan Chen, now 62 years old, began her career as a child star in China in the 1970s. She gained international recognition for her role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film, “The Last Emperor,” in 1987. After moving to the United States, Chen collaborated with renowned directors such as David Lynch (“Twin Peaks”) and Oliver Stone (“Heaven and Earth”). As a director herself, Chen received critical acclaim for her film “Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl” in 1998.
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Chen shared that her trip to Xining and the enthusiastic, youth-based audience at the festival had rekindled her passion for cinema. She expressed how refreshing it was to witness the love of cinema among the festival attendees, stating that it reminded her of the energy she felt when she directed her first film. The experience in Xining served as a reminder of the beauty of films and life itself.
During the festival, there was a special screening of Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor,” a film in which Chen had a significant role. She was thrilled to see many audience members witnessing the film on the big screen for the first time. However, Chen acknowledged that the era of such lush filmmaking, exemplified by “The Last Emperor,” is in the past. She described the film as one of the most beautiful ever made, comparing it to classics like “Lawrence of Arabia.” Chen believes that this style of filmmaking, characterized by its luxuriousness, is no longer prevalent in the industry.
In conclusion, Joan Chen’s experience at the FIRST International Film Festival provided her with a renewed perspective on the state of filmmaking. She expressed concern about the wave of correctness that she believes is limiting creativity and urged young filmmakers to break free from societal expectations. The festival itself showcased brave and refreshing independent films, highlighting the immense talent and energy of emerging Chinese filmmakers. Chen emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and authenticity, encouraging filmmakers to tell the stories they are passionate about. Despite recognizing the evolution of filmmaking styles, Chen found inspiration in the festival’s youthful audience and their love for cinema.
