Renowned Director Tsai Ming-Liang Inspires Young Filmmakers: Stay True to Yourself
Los Angeles, August 9, 2024 — Internationally acclaimed director Tsai Ming-Liang, who returned to Los Angeles after a decade, participated in a comprehensive film retrospective at the American Cinematheque from July 31 to August 17. This Hollywood showcase featured 14 of Tsai’s seminal works, highlighting the distinguished career of this Taiwanese New Wave cinema pioneer.
As a prominent figure in Chinese-language cinema, Tsai Ming-Liang’s films are renowned for their unique style and profound reflections on life. During the retrospective, Tsai Ming-Liang joined actor Lee Kang-Sheng, producer Claude Wang, and actor Anong Houngheuangsy for a series of Q&A sessions following film screenings.
Tsai Ming-Liang (2nd from right) and Lee Kang-Sheng (1st from right) during a media interview (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
In a special media interview with the Los Angeles Post, Tsai shared his advice for young filmmakers. He emphasized the significance of “life experience” in filmmaking, stating, “I think the feeling of life is quite important.”
Tsai acknowledged the difficulty in offering universal advice to emerging filmmakers, as everyone’s path and experiences are unique. He encouraged young filmmakers to follow their passion for film, suggesting that they will naturally find their own way. Whether in painting, filmmaking, or other art forms, he believes that creative work should stem from one’s personal experiences.
Discussing his own filmmaking approach, Tsai noted that his films are distinct because he rarely adapts novels or stories from others. Instead, his films often derive from his personal experiences. For instance, when he sees actor Lee Kang-Sheng, it reminds him of his own feelings during adolescence and the uncertainty about the future, which then inspires his work. He stressed that the core of creation is to “be yourself,” and he maintains, “I only create my own work, not treating film as a commodity, but as a true expression of myself.”
On the subject of market considerations, Tsai admitted he prioritizes artistic integrity over commercial success. He humorously noted, “If my market is not good, what do I do? I sell the tickets myself.” He employs various strategies to ensure his films are seen and understood by audiences, including long runs in Taiwanese theaters despite modest box office returns. He is committed to making sure his work is showcased and remains relevant in the industry.
Tsai Ming-Liang’s encouragement to young creators was clear: while he cannot provide one-size-fits-all advice, he urged them to stay true to their inner selves and create films they are passionate about. He also shared a conversation with a filmmaker friend from mainland China who was struggling with funding, advising him to start with short films as “short films allow you to be yourself.”
From Left: Claude Wang, Lee Kang-ShengTsai Ming-Liang , actor Anong Houngheuangsy (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)
The retrospective, supported by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, received a warm welcome from Hollywood’s film community. Each screening was met with standing ovations and enthusiastic applause.
Local film critics have praised Tsai Ming-Liang’s work as “museum-worthy,” able to withstand professional scrutiny, the test of time, and cross-cultural examination. (By: Richard Ren/LAPost)
