INTERVIEW with EMMA JIAYING CHEN
Jiaying Emma Chen, 17, is a Year 12 student at Guangdong Country Garden School, active in practical theatre, visual arts, and multidisciplinary performance as a writer, director, and performer. Her work engages with adolescent mental health, juvenile crime, and the commercialization and transformation of traditional theatre. Official Selection — International Movie Awards Long Film Award Winner — IVCCD Student Film Festival Female Director Award Finalist — New York Istanbul Short Film Festival
INTERVIEW WITH EMMA JIAYING CHEN
The 1000 Project
How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
The 1000 Project is my first documentary. I was already involved in theatre, music, and visual arts, and I wanted to explore filmmaking as another way to observe people and tell stories. I was especially interested in capturing what happens behind a performance, including the challenges, collaboration, and personal growth that audiences may never see.
Why did you do this project?
I wanted to document not only the creation of a performance, but also the experiences of the young people behind it. Our project brought together theatre, live music, improvisational dance, and visual art to explore psychological growth. I believe art can create space for young people to express themselves, face challenges, and understand themselves and others in new ways. For me, the journey of creating the performance was just as important as the final result.
(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?
We worked with limited resources and focused on making the most of what we had available. Rather than sharing the exact budget, I would say that the project was made possible through the dedication of the team and the support we received.
Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
The project received support from sponsors and other sources. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their resources, time, and effort. The film is the result of a collective effort, and the team's contribution has been essential to bringing it to life.
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
The documentary developed alongside the creation of the performance. We followed the team through preparation, rehearsals, and the transformation of the performance spaces, leading up to the final show. The film was completed on August 30, 2026. It was a process of documenting a creative journey while being part of that journey ourselves.
Are you happy with the result?
Yes, I am happy with the result. As my first documentary, it has also been a valuable learning experience. What matters most to me is that the film captures the dedication, challenges, and creativity behind the performance. Its completion would not have been possible without the whole team's efforts, and I believe any recognition the film receives in the future will also belong to everyone who helped make it happen.
What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?
We are currently in the early stage of our festival journey. We are submitting The 1000 Project to international festivals and looking forward to sharing it with audiences from different cultural backgrounds. We hope the film can open up conversations about young people, artistic expression, and psychological growth.
How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?
Our experience has been a valuable learning process. We appreciate festivals that support emerging filmmakers and provide opportunities for independent work to reach new audiences. I also value clear communication and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences beyond the screening itself. I hope festivals will continue creating more space for student filmmakers and first-time directors to share their perspectives.
Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?
We primarily use FilmFreeway to discover festivals and submit our film. It has helped us explore opportunities internationally and connect The 1000 Project with festivals that may be interested in its themes.
Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.
I am interested in the work of female documentary filmmakers, particularly Agnès Varda, whose films often combine close observation of everyday life with a distinctive artistic perspective. Her work is a valuable reference for thinking about how to approach real people and their stories with curiosity and sensitivity.
For The 1000 Project, however, I was guided primarily by the people and the creative process in front of my camera. I wanted to let the story emerge naturally from the team's experiences rather than imitate a particular film.
Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I hope to continue making films and exploring different ways of telling stories. In five years, I would like to have developed a stronger visual language and a deeper understanding of filmmaking. I am particularly interested in the connections between film, theatre, music, and visual art, and in how these forms can help us understand people's experiences.
Do you have any other project in mind?
I don't have a specific next project to announce at the moment. I would like to remain open to new stories and opportunities, especially those that allow me to explore human experiences and the role of art in our lives. For now, I am also looking forward to seeing where The 1000 Project can go.
What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
I hope to keep learning, stay curious, and have the courage to tell meaningful stories. I would also like to see more opportunities for young filmmakers to experiment, collaborate, and share perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. Most importantly, I hope our work can help people connect with one another and see familiar things from a different point of view.
Your best experience in a movie theater?
I don't have a specific cinema experience to share at the moment. Through making The 1000 Project, however, I have come to appreciate how films can preserve experiences that might otherwise be forgotten and allow people who were not there to connect with them later.