Meet Alice Chen Chen | Director, Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alice Chen Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alice Chen, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I used to be someone who prioritized work above all else, without really understanding why. I even found myself working on my laptop while getting an IV drip in the hospital for cholecystitis. At one point, I looked up and saw several students in school uniforms, with IV drips in one hand and homework in the other. I realized that, despite being a decade older than them, the only difference seemed to be that my homework had turned into a computer, and I was without my parents by my side at that moment.

That moment stuck with me, but I still didn’t fully grasp the importance of work-life balance until my health began to seriously deteriorate. The constant physical discomfort, sleepless nights, creative burnout, and a sense of emptiness became overwhelming. It was during those painful 3 AM awakenings that I began to question why I was working so relentlessly.

There’s no doubt that I love filmmaking. I was never someone who excelled in traditional tests or exams, but once I started studying film production, I found myself tirelessly thinking, writing scripts, filming, and editing. I’ve received a lot of recognition and accolades, which have given me a great sense of accomplishment. This internal drive pushed me to immerse myself even more in film production.

But what about my life? It felt like I had no hobbies or interests outside of work. Before the age of eighteen, the primary goal was the Chinese college entrance exam. We didn’t have time for hobbies, and having them was often frowned upon by teachers or parents who would say, “If you have time for this, why not spend more time studying and get into a good university?” I’m not trying to say this is an indelible mark left by East Asian education, but by the time I realized this issue, I was already far removed from my youth, from the college entrance exam, or from any hobbies I might have had. It wasn’t until I was on the brink of physical and mental collapse that I realized the importance of “loving yourself, knowing yourself, and becoming yourself.”

In April this year, I resigned from my job and returned to my hometown. I spent time with my family, attended long-missed family gatherings, traveled to other cities, and even went diving in Malaysia. I experienced a different kind of fulfillment, one that came from human connections and interactions, and from exploring and engaging with nature. It made me realize what I had been missing.

Once I recharged my energy, I found myself returning to work with a better mental and physical state. Work brings me a sense of achievement that enriches my life, and my life, in turn, inspires new ideas that enhance my work. This is the essence of work-life balance—a sustainable way of living. I believe that everyone’s life is a continuous process of reconciling with oneself, and perhaps work-life balance is one way we achieve that reconciliation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey into filmmaking began quite serendipitously. When it came time to choose a major in college, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to pursue. I knew I wasn’t fond of traditional exams and lengthy essays, so I sought a field where final projects wouldn’t involve extensive written work. Given my love for watching movies, film production seemed like an interesting choice. Little did I know, this chance decision would change my life. I discovered a deep passion for filmmaking and found I had a natural talent for it.
For me, the most meaningful and valuable aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people. Human beings are one of the most wondrous creations, capable of forming unique emotional connections with the world around them. We can love people, landscapes, animals, and ourselves. As a filmmaker, if my work can evoke joy, sadness, or any emotional connection in viewers, it reaffirms that my creations have a powerful impact.
One of my most memorable projects was a documentary about a non-governmental organization in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, called Butterfly House. This organization cares for twenty critically ill orphans, all diagnosed with life expectancies of no more than six months. Over six months of filming, I developed deep bonds with the children, caregivers, the founder, and the management team. The documentary brought significant attention and donations to the organization, which I found incredibly rewarding.
Another poignant story we encountered involved the construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Initially planned to be built on the ground, the project had a budget of several billion yuan and was set to begin. However, a group of environmental scientists, armed with decades of research data, convinced the Ministry of Railways that the railway would disrupt the migration patterns of endangered species like the Tibetan antelope. Thanks to their efforts, the plan was revised, and the railway was elevated to allow safe passage for wildlife. This story brought me to tears, and our documentary, which highlighted these efforts, won awards at various international film festivals. It is my hope that it raises awareness about environmental conservation.
Throughout my career, I have taken on various roles, but my favorite has always been the highly creative work of a director. I thrive on collaborating with different departments and witnessing the evolution of a project from a mere concept to a fully realized piece. Whether it’s commercial videos, fashion films, or social documentaries, my focus is on delivering narratives that are both compelling and innovative. The collaborative nature of directing allows me to integrate the unique strengths of each team member, resulting in a cohesive and impactful final product.
My unique combination of strong project management skills and creativity enables me to provide clients with organized and imaginative solutions. I excel in efficiently managing projects while infusing them with innovative ideas, ensuring that the final product is both polished and original. What sets me apart is my adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges, constantly pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to deliver exceptional results.
I am most proud of my ability to execute projects effectively and my courage to step out of my comfort zone. I continuously adjust my approach to embrace new experiences, never allowing the desire for stability and security to trap me in a repetitive, uninspired routine. By maintaining my creativity and passion, I ensure that I am always ready to take on fresh challenges and produce extraordinary work. My experience filming in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the impact of our documentary on environmental awareness stand as testaments to my commitment to meaningful storytelling and making a difference through film.
I believe that each person’s life is a journey of self-reconciliation, and achieving work-life balance is a part of this process. It’s about finding a sustainable way of living that nurtures both personal fulfillment and professional excellence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still exploring this incredible city, but if you’re a fan of La La Land like me, you’ll love this itinerary inspired by the movie’s iconic scenes. La La Land is one of my favorite films and one of the reasons I chose to move to Los Angeles.

Start your journey at Griffith Observatory, where Mia and Sebastian danced among the stars. The panoramic views of LA are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Next, head to the Watts Towers, an incredible mosaic structure that adds a touch of artistic flair to your trip.

For a taste of old Hollywood, visit the historic Angels Flight Railway, the funicular that Sebastian rode. It’s a short but nostalgic ride that gives you a glimpse into LA’s past. Then, take a stroll down the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, another romantic spot featured in the film.

Food-wise, enjoy a classic LA breakfast at The Grand Central Market, where you can find a variety of delicious options. For lunch, try the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, where Sebastian played jazz. It’s a cozy spot with great food and live music.

End your day at the Warner Bros. Studio, where Mia had her audition. Take a studio tour to see behind the scenes of your favorite films and TV shows. This La La Land-themed itinerary will give you a magical glimpse into the city that inspired the movie.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. No matter how crazy my decisions have been, their primary concern has always been my happiness, my well-being, and whether I needed any help. For instance, deciding to move to Los Angeles was a sudden and seemingly reckless decision. Moving to another country is something most Chinese parents would struggle to accept, especially given the traditional preference for daughters to stay close to home. But when I told my parents that I wanted to quit my job in Beijing and give Los Angeles a try, they paused for a moment and then said, “Alright, go ahead, give it a try. If you need help, just let us know. Don’t tough it out on your own.”

Even when I first decided to study film production, a field neither of them had any experience with, they supported me because they saw it was something I was passionate about. I believe it is their unwavering support that has given me the courage and strength to keep pushing forward and exploring new paths. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my parents. I feel incredibly fortunate to have parents like them, and their support has been the greatest blessing in my life.

Website: https://www.xinpianchang.com/u11895325

Instagram: https://Chechen.dir

Other: IMDb: AliceChenChen

Image Credits
Peng Zhi, Olivia Luying Wang, Hammer Geng.