At the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, celebrated actor-director Jiang Wen captivated a full house during a vibrant masterclass session. As the head of this year's main competition jury, Jiang used the platform to share candid thoughts on storytelling, technology, the art of directing, and even dumplings — all delivered with his signature wit and philosophical flair.
Known internationally for roles in Rogue One and Let the Bullets Fly, Jiang opened the session by addressing the influence of new technology in filmmaking. He encouraged creators to embrace innovation, provided it continues to serve meaningful storytelling. "It's the story that matters most," he emphasized, suggesting that advancements in technology are valuable only when paired with compelling content.
However, Jiang had a different message when it came to smartphones. After receiving a rockstar-style welcome, complete with cheers and camera flashes, he playfully urged the younger crowd to "put down your phones" and engage their minds more deeply. "I'm in my 60s and I still remember a lot," he joked, highlighting the importance of memory and real-world connection over constant screen time.
Turning to acting, Jiang reflected on his training and philosophy. "It's like martial arts," he said. "You study the techniques, but when you perform, you simply fight." He highlighted the balance between simplicity and complexity in character work and shared that, while he no longer acts as frequently, his time in front of the camera shaped his empathetic approach as a director.
When adapting novels for the screen, Jiang confessed to taking creative liberties. He recalled his film In the Heat of the Sun, which is loosely based on the novel Animal Ferocity. The movie's title, he explained, came to him instantly while reading — with no intention of retaining the book's original name.
On scriptwriting, Jiang stressed the importance of character backstory. "If the background isn't solid, your writing won't endure," he said, encouraging aspiring writers to dig deeper into their characters' motivations and contexts.
As a director, Jiang takes a collaborative and affirming approach. "I shower my actors with praise," he revealed. "If they feel good, they'll give great performances." He believes directors should foster positivity on set, rather than command control. With a grin, he added, "If the film goes wrong, you can always blame the sound guy."
The masterclass wasn't without humor. Jiang reminisced about the influence of Ne Zha director Yang Yu, affectionately known as "Jiaozi" — the Chinese word for "dumpling." Speaking during a discussion on food and creativity, he praised the director's future potential, saying, "He has a long journey ahead."
Jiang also shared personal anecdotes, revealing he once learned piano for a role and discovered a hidden talent. "I think I could have been a great pianist," he mused, before returning to his message for young creatives: understand life, be observant, and always have something meaningful to say. "The world needs storytellers who notice what's missing in cinema today."
The audience was deeply engaged, with many eager to ask questions. One fan asked why Jiang's films are often seen as difficult to understand. His response was poetic: "Do you want Mona Lisa to tell you why she's smiling?" It was a gentle reminder that art doesn't always need to explain itself.
In a lighthearted moment, an attendee requested to present Jiang with a handmade gift on behalf of himself and his girlfriend. Jiang obliged, clearly enjoying the spirited interaction and allowing several additional questions even after the scheduled time.
Asked who he would compare himself to in the industry, Jiang confidently replied, "I am myself and no one else." As for watching his own work? "Not usually," he laughed. Instead, he preferred to recommend other films — though he coyly said he'd wait until the Tiantan Awards ceremony to name one.
The Beijing International Film Festival concludes this weekend with the announcement of the Tiantan Award winners, selected by Jiang and his fellow jury members, including Joan Chen, David Yates, Ni Ni, Teemu Nikki, Vincent Perez, and Tim Yip.