The clock may be ticking butveteran filmmaker Johnnie To is in for the long haul
Hong Kong director and founder of Milkyway Image has a passion for his craft, and enjoys experimenting with new technologies to find ways to tell a better story
With more than 140 films, produced or directed under his belt, Johnnie To Kei-fung is probably one of Hong Kong’s most prolific filmmakers. At the age of 61, he is as committed as ever to what he does. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire from this job. Making films is part of my life now,” To says.
The charismatic filmmaker’s face lights up when he is talking about his passion for cinema and, especially, when he is discussing the young generation of Hong Kong filmmakers.
“To support Hong Kong films, we must also support the Hong Kong young filmmakers,” he says.
“The new generation of [filmmakers] actually has a more solid foundation in film education. It has much to do with the institutions for film education that have really nurtured the young talents.”
Unlike during the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1970s and 1980s, top Hong Kong filmmakers today, including To, Peter Chan and Pang Ho-cheung, have moved their productions up north in order to cater to the mainland Chinese market.
“Although now the film market has largely shifted towards mainland China, this doesn’t necessarily deprive our young filmmakers of opportunities,” To says.
History is always repeating itself. Time is always pushing us forward
