Chen, an Asian American film director, actor, and writer based in Houston, is a renowned figure in the industry. In 2021, he earned the prestigious Academy honor certificate for his exceptional contributions. Born in China and raised in Japan, Chen displayed prodigious artistic talent from a young age and made his debut as an actor in TV commercials when he was just 5 years old.
After receiving formal education at the Beijing Film Academy and acquiring valuable experience working with internationally acclaimed directors such as Wong Kar-wai, Chen ventured to the United States to share his expertise. He became a sought-after advisor in Hollywood, specializing in gunplay stunts and sword fighting.
As a prolific filmmaker, Chen has directed five remarkable films between 2019 and 2023, while also participating in numerous other projects. His unique film style has garnered critical acclaim and left a lasting impact on the global film and TV industry. Unlike many Asian American filmmakers who focus on martial arts themes, Chen sets his lens on the everyday lives of society's underrepresented individuals. He possesses a remarkable ability to unearth extraordinary stories hidden within ordinary people, evoking profound emotions from audiences without relying on flashy action sequences or overly dramatic scenes. The mainstream American media has hailed Chen's style as an evolved incarnation of the "Slice of Life" genre prevalent in the 1960s.
Immersing himself in the lives of the ordinary and unseen, Chen connects people from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Since moving to Houston in 2017, he has become a community leader dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of the entire Houston community. Chen's commitment is evident through his volunteer work, where he utilized his CPR training to save lives during events such as Hurricane Harvey, the pandemic, and the 2021 freeze. He also founded the Defense Initiative, personally funding efforts to combat crime in the Houston Chinatown area. As a key contributor to numerous non-profit organizations, he fosters connections between people and opportunities, resolves cultural and socioeconomic conflicts, and actively promotes diversity and inclusion.