Italian director looks forward to China's new generation of filmmakers

ROME — "I look forward to discovering the new generation of Chinese filmmakers and their ways of narrating stories at the Shanghai International Film Festival," says renowned Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore.

In an interview with Xinhua at his office in Rome, Italy, Tornatore showed reporters the Chinese version of the poster for The Legend of 1900, a film that depicts a piano prodigy who lives his entire life on a ship. The film, directed and written by Tornatore, has been released twice in Chinese theaters and received positive feedback.

"I'm happy that Chinese audiences like my films," he says.

Tornatore was appointed jury president for the main competition section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival to be held from June 13 to 22.

"It is a big honor for me. I'm sure that I will see good movies," he says.

Tornatore notes that Chinese films have achieved notable success in international markets in recent years. Films such as Ne Zha 2, The Wandering Earth 2 and Caught by the Tides have earned international acclaim.

Known for his masterpieces including Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso, which tells the story of a film-loving boy in his youth and adulthood, Tornatore emphasizes that the key to making films loved by global audiences is staying true to one's heart.

"Cinema Paradiso is a great example. When I decided to make this film, I wasn't thinking about how to win the approval of audiences in Europe, the United States or China. Instead, I wanted to tell a personal story. I tried to make sure the characters and everything in the film were believable so audiences could connect with them," Tornatore says.

The film director says he enjoys watching Chinese films. "I love the different points of view that other cinematographers bring. I can also learn about the story of China and the culture of Chinese people."

Speaking of the influence of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in the film industry, Tornatore says he is interested in AI and believes it offers new possibilities for film production and the restoration of classic films.

"My dream is to make a film entirely on my own without the help of anybody and to have my grandfather as the main character. AI can give me this opportunity," Tornatore says.

Xinhua