Daughter’s Daughter, Interview with actress Sylvia Chang

In an inspiring interview at the 27th Far East Film Festival, Sylvia Chang shared insights into her extraordinary career and her powerful role in “Daughter’s Daughter“. A true icon of Asian cinema, Sylvia Chang reflected on receiving the prestigious Golden Mulberry award, describing it as an “encouragement” after decades dedicated to storytelling. She emphasized that such recognition not only honors her lifelong work but also fuels her passion for pushing cinematic boundaries. Sylvia Chang  approached her portrayal of Jin Ai-xia with exceptional dedication, revealing that she prepared for over five years—investing significant time, thought, and emotion—culminating in a compelling performance. She shared that her deep immersion into the character was so profound that, on the set’s first day, she felt she had already “become” Jin Ai-xia. To deepen her understanding, Sylvia even wrote a book inspired by her experiences, documenting her daily thoughts and emotional journey during filming. This meticulous process highlights her commitment to authentic storytelling—she doesn’t just act; she fully lives her characters.

“Daughter’s Daughter” boldly explores LGBTQ+ themes in Asia—a story Sylvia describes as “courageous” for its honest depiction of love, loss, and societal responsibility. The film portrays two women in love, navigating tragedy and moral dilemmas, including the sensitive subject of embryo donation after loss. Sylvia emphasized how the narrative promotes greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ experiences in a society where such stories are rarely told. Her compelling portrayal fosters empathy, shedding light on complex human emotions and cultural challenges, making Daughter’s Daughter an essential film of our time.

Throughout our conversation, Sylvia Chang reflected on her lifelong journey in cinema—an ongoing pursuit of learning and artistic growth. She shared how each role she’s played has added depth and authenticity to her craft, particularly maternal characters, which she treats as unique individuals. Sylvia expressed admiration for her peers and mentors, recalling how every collaboration taught her something new. Despite lacking formal acting training, she credits her education to hands-on experience—working alongside talented actors and filmmakers who have shaped her storytelling skills. For her, cinema is a relentless quest for truth, continually inspired by new techniques and creative ideas. She joked that her only fear is running out of ideas—an ode to her endless passion for filmmaking.

Her commitment to storytelling extends beyond acting—Sylvia Chang also writes scripts and directs projects, constantly seeking fresh ways to challenge herself and portray human stories with nuance and emotional depth. Her dedication is evident in “Daughter’s Daughter” , which she considers not just a film but a mission to voice overlooked and marginalized experiences.

This heartfelt interview reveals the profound philosophy behind Sylvia Chang’s illustrious career. Her devotion to authentic storytelling, her courage to explore sensitive subjects, and her continuous desire for growth serve as an inspiration to us all.

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