Hong Kong film director Wong Kar Wai has said the film industry is at a crossroads in Hong Kong, local press reported Monday.

 

Monday's South China Morning Post quoted Wong as saying at Cannes of France Sunday night "there is a big transition awaiting Hong Kong cinema." He headed the jury to present the Palme d'Or, one of the film world's most important awards.

 

Wong said while some film-makers were trying to make films that appealed to the Chinese mainland market despite some restrictions, only a few were trying to expand into the international market.

 

He suggested that "we should transform Hong Kong films by using an international language instead of focusing on restrictions that keep films like they were 10 or 20 years ago."

 

 

Wong said "the world has changed. You have to find a new formula, net attractions and new elements."

 

Wong Kar Wai won Cannes' best director awards with Happy Together in 1997 and The Mood in Love in 2000.

 

The English daily said he has two films in pre-production: My Blueberry Nights, an English-language romantic comedy that starts filming in the United States this summer, and The Lady from Shanghai, also an English-language film.

 

He said, if Hong Kong cinema becomes provincial, there will be a big problem. It should speak a language that can be appreciated by audiences from around the world.

 

He said the filming of his next film The Lady from Shanghai, will begin early next year due to leading actress Nicole Kidman's schedule.

 

Wong said he treasured his week as president of the Cannes festival's international jury.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2006)