Chinese reality series Chengfengpolang De Jiejie or Sisters Who Make Waves is attempting to quash ageism, especially among female stars, in the entertainment industry.
The show, which premiered in China on June 12, gathers some 30 female stars, aged between 30 to 52, to compete in various singing and dancing challenges on a weekly basis.
At the end of the competition, only five women will be chosen to make their debut as a five-member girl group.
Big names like Hong Kong film star Christy Chung, 50, top 1980s and 1990s TVB actress Adia Chan, 50, and Chinese actress Ning Jing, 48, make up the contestants.
Its oldest contestant is singer Annie Yi, 52. She posted on Weibo (translated by Today Online) the reason she came on board the show:
“I hope that every woman will never give up (on achieving their goals). Ignore your age, and be the captain of your own ship. I hope that you’ll always be able to safely navigate the seas of life this way.”
Sisters Who Make Waves is one way the industry is putting the spotlight back on seasoned female entertainers, who don't have the same opportunities compared to their younger counterparts.
Beijing-based news agency CGTN reported that only 28.5% of Chinese actresses aged between 40 to 50 have productions that aired or debuted in theaters in 2019.
50-year-old Chinese actress Yong Mei – who picked up a Silver Bear trophy at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival for her performance in So Long, My Son – had this to say in an interview after her win last year.
"I feel sorry for the situation of many middle-aged actresses. They have great, rich life experiences and great expressions, and yet the market gives them far less opportunities than they deserve."
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