YAN YAN CHAN

IN CONVERSATION WITH BEVERLY NGUYEN

Sitting down with actress and creative Yan Yan Chan, we explore the simulation of giving attention to silence, arriving at personal style, and the pursuit of what's next.

Beverly and Yan Yan met several years ago at a party in midtown. Their lives were very different at the time, yet they had a mutual feeling of connection. Their friendship has since grown through shared circles, a mutual curiosity, and a deep affinity to connect to their Asian heritages. Over time, they’ve reflected together on the ways their upbringings have shaped their careers, creativity, and perspectives—discoveries that continue to unfold in their conversation below. 

Beverly Nguyen: Do you think your motivation to be surrounded by cinema, culture, and creativity comes from a place that stems from your Chinese heritage? And now when navigating storytelling, is there a connection with your family or upbringing?

Yan Yan Chan:

"WHEN I WAS LAST HOME IN CHINA I OBSERVED A TON. I WAS A WITNESS TO A LOT OF SILENCE AND THE ARRIVAL OF PATIENCE. PUTTING THE ATTENTION ON OTHER PEOPLE, PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IS GIVING TO YOU. THAT HAS A LOT TO TIE BACK TO MY PROCESS IN HOW I WORK NOW."

Beverly Nguyen: And do you feel like something is coming?

Yan Yan Chan:

"I FEEL LIKE SOMETHING'S BEEN BUBBLING BENEATH THE SURFACE FOR A LONG TIME. BUT I THINK IT'S ALSO JUST LEARNING TO GIVE YOURSELF GRACE AND KNOW THAT THAT WAITING PERIOD IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT."

Beverly Nguyen: How do you spend a day off in New York City?

Yan Yan Chan: When I was studying I never ever had a day off, I’d always be so envious of anyone who got to saunter through the city so now when I do - I love doing absolutely nothing. A good stroll, no plans, good friends. Waking up and getting out of the apartment super early, riding along the Hudson River all the way up to Central Park, sitting on a bench somewhere and watching the world go by. Have a 3 part lunch, uptown, midtown and downtown. Stroll some more, fill the belly up some more. 

Beverly Nguyen: What’s your favorite way to document something? 

Yan Yan Chan: Photos!! I’ve slacked off the past few years with only documenting things digitally, it would be nice to go back to film because that’s how I originally started and the images always feel so much more grounded. I journal every other day, they’re mostly a free flow of thoughts, occasionally I’ll write to document moments but I never go back to read them.