Danny Boyle, President Jury For Jin Jue Award Film Festivals Can Help Chinese Film Grow
Danny Boyle, one of the world finest directors, won 8 Academy Awards in 2009 with his film Slumdog Millionaire. But even though he\'s extremely accomplished, Boyle retains his personable nature. He boarded the plane for Shanghai without bodyguards or agents, accompanied only by his travelling bag and the smile that\'s always pinned up on his face.
Daily News: What do you think of Shanghai?
Danny: This is my very first visit to Shanghai. Shanghai is a costal city, where businesses are being carried out everyday. What surprises me most and what really drives me here is the local history and culture and the stunning views you can find in the city. I accepted the offer to be jury chairman for the SIFF partly because it would allow me to watch a lot of new Chinese movies.
Danny: Personally, I think working for the Cannes Film Festival is loaded with too many trivial details. I prefer to work for important film festivals like the SIFF. The Cannes Festival, with a time-honored history, is the most important film festival in France, but as you look into the future, you will find that much brighter prospect awaits film festivals like SIFF. I believe there will be more people paying attention to this market in the future.
Daily News: You have been regarded as a great all-around director, but you have a reputation for being especially good at controlling production costs and discovering of new artists. Do you feel these are these key to your filmmaking approach?
Danny: New actors are like sheets of virgin paper where you can draw things as you like. As for the cost control, it\'s something that must be considered by every filmmaker, especially in times of financial crisis.
Daily News: Is that\'s why you picked Dev Patel for the lead role in Slumdog Millionaire? I heard it was your daughter who recommended him to you?
Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism
