He used to be a well-known actor in Taiwan, performing in Growing Up by Hsiao-hsien Hou when he was 17. Last year, his film "Monga" won him many accolades. He is Doze Niu, also known as Director Dou by his friends. He is in town for the Chairman Forum of Film. He talked with Daily News about his film dream.
Daily News: You came here for the Chairman Forum. How\'s the discussions with John Woo, Wang Xiaoshuai and Ho Cheung Ping?
Niu: Taipei Film Week was originally scheduled for this film festival, but it was cancelled. I was afraid that I couldn\'t come to Shanghai, but the committee was very kind. So I get this chance to met John Woo and Wang Xiaoshuai. All of them were sincere and we talked a lot about films from our own views. In the end I asked Director John Woo for advices for promoting my "Monga" in Japan and Korea market , and he generously promised me that he will help.
Daily News: Do you have any suggestions for film directors, both in mainland and in Taiwan?
Niu: This is a big question because a director has his own stories that he want to share. I don\'t have a proper answer and everyone should make his own movie. I have confidence in Chinese film market. If we directors use our hearts, work sincerely to tell the stories in our heart, the films will be interesting for viewers..
Daily News: "Monga" last year was very popular in Taiwan. The producer Li Lie once said the mainland market attracted Taiwan directors. Have you found a way to balance Taiwan and mainland market?
Niu: Not only Taiwan directors but all filmmakers are seeking shares in mainland market. For me, I want to make co-productions, but there are challenges. I am interested in producing a work reflecting the stories connecting people across the Straits. But all depend on what kind of scripts I can get.
Daily News: You have cooperated with Zhou Xun in "What on Earth Have I Done Wrong?! , " though her part wasn\'t in the film. You met Zhou Xun in Beijing recently and it\'s said that you planned to make a love film in mainland, can you tell us something?
Niu: I\'m familiar with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and particularly Zhou Xun. I wish we can work together in my next movie. We are waiting for the scripts. It should be a movie connecting with Taipei and Beijing and a love story with happiness and tears.
Daily News: You like to use new stars, such as Ruan Jingtian, Zhao Youting and Li Kangyi. Why? Do you want to make stars for Taiwan film industry? After all it has been a long time since the Taiwan market had super stars like Lin Qingxia, Lin Fengjiao, Qin Han and Qin Xianglin.
Niu: The outlook is not the only standard for stars, for instance, Ge You performs well and has his own styles. I have a feeling that Ruan Jingtian and Zhao Youting can become super stars. It\'s satisfying that Peter Chan thought the same like me. So we know that this industry need good scripts, good production and the reasons which can attract the audiences, and we do so.
Daily News: For a long time, you are eager to get the praise of your respected teacher Hsiao-hsien Hou. He like the film "What on Earth Have I Done Wrong?!" but he said that you shouldn\'t perform in it also in Monga. Does he give you advices in personal?
Niu: He gave me much encouragement after seeing Monga. He said my golden decade has begun and wish me cherish it. He can\'t help telling media that I’m the worst actor. The role was charming but not good as others. I like to perform and he is not the main role.
Daily News: Do you think yourself that your golden decade has arrived?
Niu: Yes, I am ready. Only with confidence and optimism can we accept challenges and do anything we want. I cherish what I got, because it can go any time and may be my next work will fail. I don\'t have the illusion that I can do anything, but I would seek my dream sincerely and confidently. My sense of responsibility is to revive Taiwan\'s film industry and contribute to the boom of Chinese film market. I have passion and I have waited a long time. Now I have this chance and I will fully devote myself to it.
Daily News: you are the producer and director of "Monga", how do you deal with the two roles?
Niu: I am handling OK. Although it is very hard, but I made it. The reason why I acted in two roles is I believe by doing this, I can ensure the work\'s quality.
Daily News: You\'re an environmentalist in your daily life, and you travelled around France by bike. There\'re many films on environmental protection, do you have this idea such as making a movie like "Island Etude"
Niu: I\'m always interested in this issue and I want to get a chance to do it. I\'m an environmentalist and I put my belief into practice. For instance I brought handkerchief and chopsticks with me wherever I go. I also use bikes a lot. Just now I spend much time in the restroom because I was repairing the toilet which was leaking. My friends say I was an obstinate environmentalist. Although I want to make this kind of films very much, but more urgent thing is to make those movies that can promote the development of Chinese movie market.