China-UK co-production on Anna May Wong begins filming in London

A China-UK co-production film exploring the life of pioneering Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong has begun filming in London, marking the 120th anniversary of her birth.

Titled No Land for Her, the film revisits Wong's career and experiences as one of the first Chinese actors to achieve recognition in Hollywood.

Wong rose to prominence during the early 20th century and became the first Chinese-American actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her work spanned both silent films and the early sound era, during a period when opportunities for Asian performers in Western cinema were limited.

The new production draws on historical events including the casting controversy surrounding the 1937 film The Good Earth, and examines Wong's professional journey and personal experiences across different cultural contexts.

"Anna May Wong's story is not merely an individual artistic legend, but a collective memory of overseas Chinese," the production company said, adding that the film seeks to revisit her life from a modern perspective.

The production is being carried out by creative teams from China and the UK, with filming taking place in London.

Director Li Shiyi leads the project, working with an international crew that includes film professionals from both countries. Executive producer Hong Ying, a British-Chinese writer, is also involved in the project.

Producer and lead actress Grace Sun, who studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, plays a contemporary performer whose story connects with Wong's legacy.

According to the production team, the film integrates artificial intelligence-assisted imaging with live-action cinematography. The technology is being used alongside traditional filmmaking techniques to support the reconstruction of historical scenes and visual storytelling.

The filmmakers said the project is intended not only as a biographical work, but also as a reflection on the cultural contributions of Chinese artists to global cinema.

They also plan to submit the film to international film festivals following completion, with the goal of introducing Wong's story to new generations of viewers and strengthening cultural exchange through cinema.