Chinese actress Yao Chen is guiding her production company Bad Rabbit Pictures towards high-quality short television shows, with an ambitious project based on Mazu, the legendary sea goddess who was once human in China’s Fujian province. This short series, inspired by British dramas like “Fleabag,” will see Yao, who is also from Fujian, taking a supporting role as a modern woman dealing with age-related concerns while working for the deity.
The announcement has been made as Bad Rabbit Pictures bolsters its global impact by debuting two films at the Berlin Film Festival: Huo Meng’s “Living the Land” and Rima Das’ “Village Rockstars 2.” Although these movies may appear dissimilar at a superficial level, they both embody Bad Rabbit’s core philosophy – exploring the relationship between nature, humanity, and spirituality, as explained by Yao to EbMaster.
Yao speaks about an upcoming premium short drama set in Fujian, where he explains that the region has a distinctive social environment where nature, humans, and deities exist together at the same moment. He notes that this is where ancient customs are preserved most authentically. The series intends to harmoniously combine contemporary urban mindsets with traditional spirituality, ensuring its relevance for today’s audience.
Known for her powerful acting skills and commitment to social causes, Yao has successfully established herself as a box office success and a socially conscious producer. Making her mark initially with the popular series “My Own Swordsman,” she effortlessly moved into film, starring in critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies such as “Caught in the Web” and “Lost, Found.” Off-screen, Yao is recognized for championing meaningful stories through Bad Rabbit Pictures, a production company she co-founded with cinematographer Cao Yu and producer Liu Hui. Their projects often emphasize women’s viewpoints and previously untold narratives.
Behind the scenes, I’ve always been recognized as one of China’s most impactful public figures, utilizing my extensive social media platform to champion humanitarian issues and mold the industry according to my beliefs. My eight-year tenure as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency has significantly shaped my perception of humanity’s bond with the land, a theme that resonates deeply in both my Berlin films. “In my travels meeting refugees globally, I found an overwhelming desire among them to be reunited with their homeland.
Yao’s transformation from an accomplished actress to a powerful producer started as a means of personal salvation. Noticing other artists grappling with finding meaningful projects post-40, she noticed many assuming multiple roles – as producers, financiers, or writers – to keep their creative spirit alive. Over time, it morphed beyond self-preservation into a desire to create films that would empower and comfort audiences. This is her reflection on the journey.
Under Yao’s guidance, Bad Rabbit stands as an advocate for individual perspectives, notably female directors and newcomers in the field. Yet, she is mindful of the hurdles confronting art cinema in today’s commercial landscape. “It feels like a solitary sailboat navigating a turbulent ocean, especially post-COVID years,” she remarks. “The space for growth has only grown more tense.
Despite movies like “Ne Zha 2,” which was released during Lunar New Year 2024 and brought some optimism to the Chinese film industry after a challenging year, Yao points out that many investors remain cautious, especially when it comes to arthouse productions. However, she believes there are prospects in the increasing number of development platforms and markets where artists can present their ideas for projects.
As a devoted cinephile, I see acting and filmmaking as two integral parts of the same whole. My success in front of the camera allows me to accumulate resources that can be channeled towards nurturing upcoming talent, especially among my fellow female creators. It’s evident that they are often limited in terms of platforms and opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Being a female actor myself, I feel an inherent urge to collaborate with these trailblazing women and embark on cinematic journeys together.
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2025-02-15 09:20