Fala Chen (陳法拉) is a name that is heard both in Asia and internationally.
In Hong Kong, Chengdu-born Chen has acted in a variety of TVB shows as well as films. In the US, she played recurring characters Jolene McCall in the 2020 HBO miniseries “The Undoing”, and Cynthia Keng in the comedy drama “Irma Vep” in 2022.
Her US film debut came in 2021 with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, where she portrayed Ying Li, a guardian of the mystical realm Ta Lo and the titular character’s mother. More recently, she played Dao Ming in the 2025 Netflix film “Ballad of a Small Player”, which is set in Macau, opposite Irish Actor Colin Farrell and Scottish actress Tilda Swinton.
Beyond acting, Chen, 44, has also directed and written two short films: “Passinger” in 2018 and this year’s “Bloodline”, which was part of the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival.
Given her experiences acting, writing, and directing, Chen talked to the Post about some of the lessons she has learnt during an interview with Macau’s English-language media at The Londoner Macao on Tuesday, which marked the closing and awards ceremony of the Sands China-sponsored International Film Camp* (IFC), an initiative organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy that aims to nurture and empower the next generation of Asian filmmakers.
Chen, an IFC ambassador, noted that among the lessons she’s learnt as an actress, writer, and especially as a director, is honesty – with herself, decision making, and her own instincts.
“Sometimes people think the truth is hard to hear”, she said. “I find it the opposite. I think truth is the most transparent and the softest language that you can speak to someone. I think, as a director especially, I feel like honesty is very important”.
In terms of directing, Chen highlighted the value of being bold, which also extends to asking for help. “You need a lot of resources to direct and to make a film. And to really take that initiative and ask for help, you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to help you”.
When asked about the differences in how projects develop in Asia versus internationally, Chen noted that every film originates differently – whether from a spark of inspiration or collaborative discussions - so there is no single way to begin.
The key, she said, is to write down new ideas immediately and embrace multitasking rather than fixating on a single story. “It never hurts to put new ideas down,” she said. Developing multiple projects simultaneously allows filmmakers to remain open to fresh inspiration and ensures that if one concept stalls, it can mature over time while other ideas move forward.
Concluding her remarks, Chen said that several projects are in the works, among which are expanding her short film “Bloodline” into a feature film.
Moreover, on Macau and its role in creativity, she told the interviewers that she hopes there would be more international projects, film festivals, events like the IFC, and educational programmes in the city.
“I think Macau has so many advantages and resources in building the community, hopefully together with Hong Kong as a film centre of Asia. I really hope that I can be part of that change and evolution”.
*More about the IFC winners in an article tomorrow. Read more about the film camp on https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/29459.
Actress, writer and director Fala Chen, who is also an ambassador for the Macau-based International Film Camp (IFC), poses beside the event banner after Tuesday’s interview at The Londoner Macao. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
