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Christina Chen, AKA Chris Chunk, Explores the Artistic Symphony of Filmmaking

Written by

Jorge Lucena

Photographed by

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Multifaceted music director Christina Chen, better known as Chris Chunk, elevates the art of film as a director and composer. With a profound background in music and a passion for filmmaking, Chen is an authentic musician poised to make waves in the film industry.

Chen's artistic path began with a solid foundation in music. As a highly trained music composer, her journey unfolded through music and musical theater and eventually into the enchanting world of film. Fueled by a deep love for art, Chen seamlessly merged her musical prowess with filmmaking.

In pursuing her filmmaking passion, Chen encountered the common challenges emerging musicians face, such as the continuous request for unpaid or low-budget work. Undeterred, she showcased her resourcefulness by negotiating with producers and incorporating student works to bring her creative visions to life.

What sets Chen apart is the rich combination of her cultural influences. Hailing from Taiwan, shaped by New Zealand and now rooted in LA for over a decade, her cross-cultural perspective infuses a unique flavor into her artistic expressions. Her varied influences enrich her storytelling, making it diverse and universally resonant.

Chen wears multiple hats within the industry as a music director, music composer, and musician. Her filmography includes the directorial gem Mysterious Strangers (2012) and her musical contributions to Sins of Identity (2015) and Dancing for You (2015). 

Chen's artistic career is also adorned with notable milestones. She served as the music director representing New Zealand at the Shanghai World Expo, a testament to her global impact. Her web series Mel Tells earned a Best Director nomination at the Los Angeles Web Fest 2018, showcasing her directorial prowess. The short film Sins of Identity received official selection at the 2016 Cannes Short Film Corner, while Dancing for You garnered a Best Original Song nomination at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival in 2015.

Chen's early days as a piano teacher paralleled the intricacies of music and the art of motion picture direction. Learning filmmaking from the perspective of a film composer and post-production supervisor, she transformed her deep music background into a distinctive approach to storytelling. Heading into the future, Chen envisions herself at the helm of a music and media school. She aims to equip aspiring talents with technical skills while nurturing their creative minds. The ultimate dream is to produce musical films that resonate deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting mark on their hearts.

At the core of Chen's artistic journey lies a powerful love for art and a willingness to take a leap of faith. From directing her first musical with no prior experience to being invited to helm various short films, every step she takes is guided by passion and unwavering faith. The selection of her film for the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to the rewards of her courageous leap into filmmaking. 

As Christina Chen's art continues to resonate, she emerges as more than a music director but a true storyteller whose narrative unfolds through the harmonious blend of music and film. She paints a vivid picture with each frame, inviting the audience to partake in her cinematic melody.

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Christina Chen, Chris Chunk
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