Andie MacDowell: A Rich Harvest in Shanghai

Three years ago American actress Andie MacDowell appeared on the red carpet at the Shanghai International Film Festival. Back then, she had a plenty of time to go sight-seeing in China. This time Andie has come back to serve as a juror for Jin Jue Award. She won’t have as much time to look around this year, but she’ll learn a lot more about the SIFF. 

Andie became known to Chinese audience in the classic movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. However, according to Andie herself, Steven Soderbergh\'s Sex, Lies and Videotape was the most important film in her career. Time has not taken away any of Andie’s beauty, which still manages to shine through in her eyes. Her charm intoxicated everybody in the press room as spoke on everything from films to her life to the Beatles.

SOHU: Three years ago you were here as a guest, but now you are here as a juror. What do you think of that?
Andie: I was very lucky to be in Shanghai three years ago. I didn’t have a lot of work to do, so I went sightseeing, walked around and took many pictures. It was really an amazing experience. This time I am here as a jury member. It is really a wonderful experience, working together with so many outstanding people. I have had so much fun working together with Danny Boyle, the big Oscar winner from 2009.  

SOHU: Compared to Cannes and Venice, SIFF is still young. What does the SIFF need to work on going forward?
Andie: Personally I think SIFF is doing very well. It does not need to do things in the same way that Cannes and Venice do. On the contrary, it should have its own unique characteristics. Asia, or more precisely, China, has always been a mystery for western countries, so if SIFF could develop more features of its own, it will be a unique film festival. For example, they should have more Chinese food! I’m not here in China to have western food!

SOHU: What has been keeping you busy these days in Shanghai? Seeing films, doing interviews or taking part in different activities?
Andie: Watching movies. I think some of the jurors are really talented. I have learned so much from them. What’s more, I’ve watched lots of excellent movies.

SOHU: Do you hope that your daughter will be a star just like you?
Andie: The purpose for becoming an actor is not to be a giant star one day. Nowadays we see lots of young people in America go in for reality shows just hoping to gain some celebrity. But in my opinion, you do what you like and you do it well to win people’s respect.