EXCLUSIVE: The multifaceted career of Fala Chen has seen considerable success across various phases. Her latest venture? Stepping behind the camera to direct her first film, Inheritance, set for release this December.
Chen’s ascent began with her acting stint at TVB, a leading broadcaster in Hong Kong, where she spent eight fruitful years. Her impressive talents eventually led her to the prestigious Juilliard School. Today, her career has expanded internationally, featuring significant roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
During a sit-down with Deadline at the BFI London Film Festival, Chen discussed her career trajectory. This week, she appeared on the red carpet for the festival premieres of Edward Berger’s Ballad of a Small Player and Lloyd Lee Choi’s Lucky Lu.
The First Act
Born in Chengdu, China, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chen’s entrance into the entertainment industry was marked by her victories in several beauty pageants.
She quickly secured a contract with TVB in Hong Kong, where she became widely recognized for her roles in hit dramas such as Heart of Greed, Moonlight Resonance, and No Regrets.
After nearly a decade at the peak of her fame in Hong Kong, Chen left to pursue further studies at Juilliard, where she trained for four years.
Post-graduation, she appeared in The Undoing alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, and continued to build her Hollywood portfolio with roles in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and as the Iwi Queen in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
She also played a part in the HBO comedy series Irma Vep.
Reunion with Berger in Ballad of a Small Player
The British psychological thriller Ballad of a Small Player, set in Hong Kong and Macau and directed by Edward Berger, was a nostalgic return for Chen. The movie, based on Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel of the same name, also stars Colin Farrell, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton.
After premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, the film was also shown in Toronto and London, and is scheduled for a Netflix release on October 29.
Chen recalls her audition process with Berger, which began over Zoom and concluded with an in-person meeting in New York. She secured the role of Dao Ming, a mysterious figure she portrays opposite the gambler “Lord Doyle” in the casinos of Macau.
Reflecting on her performance during the audition, Chen felt an immediate connection and trust with Berger, which helped her deliver a compelling audition.
Filming in Hong Kong and Macau felt like a homecoming for Chen, who had not filmed in the region for a decade. She noted the rapid development in Macau and found comfort in working with a predominantly local crew.
The Juilliard Journey
Chen shared that she was initially waitlisted by Juilliard after intense auditions but was soon accepted. She discussed her decision to study acting formally, seeking a deeper understanding and a new direction at a critical point in her career.
The vigorous audition process at Juilliard was transformative for Chen, providing her with an enriching experience that confirmed her desire to pursue a dramatic education.
Hollywood Beckons
Post-Juilliard, Chen’s career trajectory aligned with a burgeoning interest in Asian talent in Hollywood, marked by the success of Crazy Rich Asians. She secured representation quickly and began to establish herself in the U.S. entertainment industry.
Her roles in The Undoing and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, among others, have showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and settings.
Chen’s Next Act
Looking ahead, Chen is excited to explore directing, with her debut project scheduled for December. She aims to tell unique stories and work closely with former colleagues in this new capacity.
Chen continues to seek roles that challenge the typical portrayal of ethnic characters, aiming to portray more nuanced and universally relatable characters.
Additionally, Chen is keen to explore comedy, believing it to be an area where she can further reveal her acting range.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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