Kurosawa Kiyoshi x Fruit Chan

Cinematic Visions Across Borders

Date: 8 March 2024

Location: Hong Kong (Hong Kong Design Institute)

Guest: KUROSAWA Kiyoshi, Fruit CHAN

In this remarkable occasion, renowned Japanese director and jury president of the 17th Asian Film Awards, KUROSAWA Kiyoshi and local independent film master Fruit CHAN got together to discuss all things cinematic. The captivating conversation took place at the Hong Kong Design Institute and spanned a wide range of topics, encompassing their personal experiences, artistic endeavours, and their insights into the industry.

While exploring their outlook on cinema and their respective creative processes, Fruit CHAN delved into the notion of the modern-day “box office” and how it has come to define the success (or failure) of a commercial film. Nevertheless, he argued that any local Hong Kong production should be deemed successful, regardless of its box office performance. He also reminisced on his own humble beginnings as a director and shared his views on independent filmmaking. Despite emphasising the importance of budget control, he still firmly believed that adhering to his artistic vision could bring about a profound sense of achievement.

In response, KUROSAWA Kiyoshi shared his own insights on filmmaking, including his reservations about shooting explicit scenes, and his recent inclination to adhere closely to the script rather than relying on improvisation. He also expressed a tinge of envy towards the younger generation of filmmakers who now has the luxury of shooting in the digital age, vividly recalling the tension he experienced back in the day while shooting with traditional film.

Other Masterclass Series

Sammo Hung Sammo Hung traveled to Singapore to attend the "Masterclass Series" events organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy, including screenings of two of his self-written and directed films — “Warriors Two” and "The Bodyguard,” a press conference, and the highlight, a masterclass session.

Kurosawa Kiyoshi x Fruit Chan Renowned thriller master KUROSAWA Kiyoshi and Hong Kong’s independent film pioneer Fruit CHAN shared their creative philosophies and cinematic insights during the AFA17 Featured Programmes Masterclass.

Tony Leung Hong Kong actor Tony Leung shared insights from his career with the Japanese audience at the Masterclass series at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Mabel Cheung Mabel Cheung created stories with historical significance. Her career as an influential director, had been shared during the Masterclass.

Stanley Kwan A wonderful opportunity for a deepdive to the films of a renowned Hong Kong director, Stanley Kwan.

Fruit Chan Fruit CHAN have distinguished his work as one of Hong Kong’s internationally recognized directors.

Fruit Chan The “Face-to-Face” Masterclass with veteran Hong Kong director and producer Fruit CHAN Kuo at the 31st Tokyo International Film Festival.

Tony Ching Siu Tong The masterclass had examine Tony Ching Siu Tong’s pioneering style of cinematic martial arts and the action-fantasy genre of Chinese filmmaking.

Cheng Pei Pei Cheng Pei Pei had share her illustrious life as an actress on the world stage and as the first woman wuxia/action star in film history in the Masterclass.

John Woo Most of the key elements of the modern action movie that we now take for granted were developed by John Woo in the 1980s.