Yao Chen Shares Insights on Global Cinema's Struggles as Pingyao Film Festival Juror

Chinese superstar Yao Chen returned to the Pingyao International Film Festival this year in a new role – as a juror for the Roberto Rossellini Awards competition for international films. For Yao, the experience of sitting on the other side of the table provided a window into the wider challenges facing the global film industry.

"I believe not only the Chinese market is facing challenges globally. I think it is a collective predicament," Yao reflects on the current state of the industry. As a juror, she was struck by young filmmakers seeking fresh cinematic languages, citing the Nigerian film "My Father's Shadow" as an example of exploring a "novel cinematic language."

Yao, known for her acclaimed performances and social activism, has also built a reputation as a producer with a conscience. Her production company, Bad Rabbit Pictures, has championed socially resonant stories that spotlight women's perspectives and overlooked narratives. However, Yao acknowledges the difficulties of the current market, saying "the environment or the living space for arthouse films have been narrower and narrower." The company is constantly searching for solutions to bring such films to Chinese audiences.

Despite the challenges, Yao remains committed to both acting and producing. She hopes to find a project where she can both perform and have greater creative control over the final product. Yao's insights offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of global cinema, where established stars and emerging filmmakers alike navigate the shifting tides of the industry.