Actress Chen Wenqi Juggles Jury Duties with Her Golden Goblet Award Ambitions

Actress Chen Wenqi is juggling dual roles at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, serving on the Asian New Talent jury while also competing in the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition with her latest film, The Great Skull.

Directed by Liu Xiaoyang, the film follows Gu Liyan, a university student on the verge of graduation who is confronted with the death of her father. As she navigates the funeral arrangements alongside her mother, the two move from misunderstanding to reconciliation, gradually rebuilding their lives.

Set in Shanghai and told mainly in the local dialect, the film explores grief, death and the mother-daughter relationship with subtle humor and touches of black comedy.

Wenqi, who plays Gu Liyan, told Friday’s press conference that capturing the nuances of Shanghai life was one of the biggest challenges she faced during the initial stages of filming. She credited her co-star Ni Hongjie, who plays her mother in the film, with helping her immerse herself in the local cultural atmosphere.

"Not only did Mrs. Ni give me a great deal of support and guidance, but everyone here today, as well as our cinematographer who couldn't be with us, helped me gradually find the right rhythm and feel for the role," Wenqi said.

Ni also praised Wenqi's performance, saying she enjoyed working with the young actress.

"There was a scene where neither of us had any dialogue as we carried the urn together," Ni recalled. "As I looked into Wenqi's eyes, through the perspective of my character, I felt a powerful determination to keep living. It was a very moving moment."

Asked why the story was set in Shanghai, screenwriter Zhang Xiaoying said the city was a natural choice.

"As a Shanghai native, I wanted to showcase the city's culture and everyday life. Having the film make its world premiere here makes it all the more meaningful," she said.

Director Liu Xiaoyang said the film aims to offer comfort rather than lessons.

"We wanted to convey warmth and resilience through the film's portrayal of death and funeral rituals,” Liu said. “Rather than preaching to audiences, we hoped to show how people find the strength to move forward after experiencing profound grief."