Born in Shanghai, China, Joan Chen is a Chinese American actress, screenwriter, producer and director, known for films like The Last Emperor, Twin Peaks, Red Rose, White Rose, Saving Face, and The Home Song Stories. In 1998, Chen made her directorial debut with the feature film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl. The film received immense acclaim, with her taking home the Golden Horse Award for Best Director and Paris Film Festival Special Jury Prize.