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Jade Earrings of the Last Empress

Intrigued by a pair of jade earrings once worn by the last Empress of China, a young Asian American woman “travels back in time” — journeying to three vibrant worlds: cosmopolitan Shanghai in the 1930s, the twilight of the Qing dynasty in the early 1900s, and the dazzling yet conflicted Hollywood of the 1950s and 60s.

As she unravels the hidden stories behind the earrings, she uncovers an untold legacy of powerful, creative, and resilient Asian women — whose voices helped shape history from the shadows.

  • Lin Zuo
    Director
  • Marlin Darrah
    Director
    An Egypt Affair, Amazon Queen, Monsoon Lover
  • Lin Zuo
    Writer
    An Egypt Affair, Amazon Queen, Madagascar Gold
  • Evelyn Xu
    Producer
    Swallowtail & Dragonfly, Gingersnap Christmas, Celyna, Powder Pup, The Missing Twin
  • Lin Zuo
    Producer
    An Egypt Affair, Amazon Queen
  • Audrey Ly
    Key Cast
    "Herself"
    Swallowtail & Dragonfly, Celyna, Gingersnap Christmas, The Bay, The Missing Twin
  • Alfonso DiLuca
    Key Cast
    An Egypt Affair, Amazon Queen, Jane the Virgin
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 16, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, China
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony EX3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Distribution Information
  • International Film & Video
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Lin Zuo, Marlin Darrah

Lin Zuo is a Beijing, China–born Producer, Director and Scriptwriter. She is the director, writer and producer of the new documentary short "Jade Earrings of the Last Empress."

Lin Zuo has also been producing and writing various historical and cultural documentaries, such as “Treasures along the Maritime Silk Road,” “From Lisbon to Macau,” “Marco Polo Treasures – the Story of Nanhai One Shipwreck,” and others.

Besides documentaries, Lin Zuo is also a scriptwriter and producer for a variety of international feature films showcasing the rich cultures and geography of the world, such as the 2023 award-winning romance/suspense movie "An Egypt Affair," the 2021 thriller movie "Amazon Queen," and the upcoming treasure-hunt adventure movie "Madagascar Gold", etc.

She’s also a recognized and veteran cultural liaison who connects production teams, media and audiences between the West and China. Before entering the film production business, Lin Zuo was a PR manager at China’s largest software company, and a very successful program manager for cultural exchange and resource sustainability programs between U.S. & China.

Lin Zuo currently lives in Pasadena, California.

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Director Statement

“Jade Earrings of the Last Empress” is like a gentle breeze, soothing both mind and soul.

I hope its lyrical, flowing and beautiful tone offers a glimpse into the picturesque, poetic world of classical Chinese art — especially for curious international eyes.