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A regular visitor to 赌博app, Doze Niu is Jury President for the Mobile 赌博app Awards and a guest of the Industry Forum at this year\'s festival. In this Daily News interview, he focuses on the future of Chinese movies. He emphasizes the importance of filmmaking that isn\'t focused on awards or money and says co-production is the future. "The film industry doesn\'t stop at several blockbusters and stars. We still have a long way to go. I believe that, with such a big a population, so long a history and so many stories, Eastern Hollywood, or the Kingdom of Chinese films, will finally come."
Daily News: In the 赌博app Forum, you said you preferred talking about "the redemption of Chinese films". What does it mean?
Doze Niu: Yes, the tide of globalization has sent capital to Hollywood to shoot films suitable for world audiences. But Chinese audiences have demands to see films in our own language, with our own culture and stories. The key is whether we can make these films accessible. Take Taiwan films as an example. We have masters like Hsiao-hsien Hou, Edward Yang, and Ming-liang Tsai who can shoot films with high artistry and realism. But to ordinary audiences, they are too depressing. Two decades ago, Chinese films seemed to be making box office miracles. But the films were noisy, rough and said nothing. Films with real attitude and emotions and a smooth plot can make audiences laugh and cry and give them something to take home. I wanted to shoot this kind of film when I was very young. I believe that, with such a big a population, so long a history and so many stories, Eastern Hollywood, or the Kingdom of Chinese films, will finally come.
Daily News: From Cape No. 7 to Monga and You Are the Apple of My Eye, Taiwan China seemed to have box office successes almost every year. Does this show that Taiwan China\'s films have found the key?
Doze Niu: Stars appear when the sky is darkest. When Te-Sheng Wei\'s Cape No. 7 appeared, they said it was a miracle and the last radiance of the setting sun. But I thought it was proof that we could shoot this kind of film. I like the Chinese phrase "crossing the river by feeling the stones". We are crossing the river. I have felt the stones, but are they the keys? I don\'t know. We have to enrich ourselves, remind ourselves not to be intimidated or confused and ask "why do I make films?" The only thing we need to do is try our best to shoot films we think are good, regardless of types or themes. Don\'t shoot for awards or money, but focus on whether this film is worth watching. How much do you want to make it, will it add something to the world? This is the key.
Daily News: Have you discussed with Te-Sheng Wei how to sustain your creative energy after reaching the peak?
Doze Niu: Firstly, I don\'t think it\'s a peak. We are still on the way. Wei is my respectable peer. We support each other but we have different imaginations and directions. I want to raise my productivity, but one film in a year and a half is my best. Besides shooting, I am wondering whether we insiders should share experiences with each other. The film industry doesn\'t stop with several blockbusters and stars. We still have a long way to go.
Daily News: What experience did you take from co-producing Love on the Mainland?
Doze Niu: The experience was fine and rich and lived up to my expectations. I am a Taiwanese director but I am also a native of Beijing. My blood calls me to tell stories for all Chinese. Co-production is my future direction.
Daily News: Since you grew up with Hsiao-hsien Hou\'s films, has director Hou offered any comments on your work?
Doze Niu: Mr. Hou exerted a great influence on me. I have loved him, respected him and worshiped him ever since my youth. His films broadened my horizons and laid a good foundation for my approach to art. He taught me that acting should be from the heart, not just making expressions. I see in him the heights a filmmaker can achieve. He is so brave, so romantic, regardless of praise or blame. This also inspired me. What is interesting is that I wanted to write scripts, direct and star in them on my own when I was 17. But at that time, I just wanted to shoot something different from Hou\'s productions. I cannot be him and I don\'t want to be him. We don\'t have many chances to see each other, but we are in contact. He is always among the first to see my films. And I face his harsh criticisms. As his disciple, he is the image of a father in my heart. I once had the anger of a son who never got his father\'s approval. But after Love I really understood Hou\'s criticism: "the part you played is the worst again". My anger disappeared. I felt he treated me so strictly because he loved me so much. And it\'s his harsh criticism that drove me forward.
Daily News: Many people, including Mr. Hou have a similar question : why do you take a role in almost all your films?
Doze Niu: Actually the truth is that I don\'t insist on playing in them. We have had reasons. Sometimes the actor didn\'t come; sometimes the budget was short. Of course, sometimes, I felt that I was the most suitable person for the role and I had a strong desire to act. But I guess I won\'t have a part in my next action film. I want to reconcile with those who misunderstand me.