CNN's guest this weekend on Talk Asia is Joan Chen. Chen went from being a star in Chinese propaganda films to being banned from working in that country. She takes CNN viewers through her personal journey from Shanghai to Hollywood.

Tired of playing meaningless characters and looking for a change, Chen took up a new role behind the camera. Beginning with the self-funded and controversial movie Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl she was propelled to stardom when Richard Gere chose her to direct his movie Autumn in New York.

She says, “If I tell stories that happened in my life to my daughter it would be more strange to her than any of the other fairytales”.

The show airs on 23 November at 8 pm with repeats on 24 November at 5 pm 25 November at 9 am and 7 pm.