DSCENE Interview: Jianhao Andy An’s Cinematic Vision

Jianhao Andy An is quickly making a name for himself in the film industry, earning recognition for his exceptional work as a producer. His most recent project, Dwelling by the West Lake, captivated audiences and critics, winning the Best Actress Award and earning nominations for Best Original Music and Best Director at the 2024 Asian Film Awards. These accolades reflect Jianhao Andy An ‘s ability to collaborate with visionary directors and create films that resonate deeply with audiences.

Set amidst the scenic surroundings of West Lake in eastern China, Dwelling by the West Lake explores the intricate dynamics of family and love. The film explores the complexities of relationships, capturing both the challenges and the enduring nature of familial bonds. With a box office gross of 121 million Chinese Yuan, the film ranks among the top five highest-grossing films of its release period, underscoring its broad appeal. An’s work with director Gu Xiaogang exemplifies his dedication to balancing artistic integrity with commercial success, making this project a significant milestone in his career.

INTERVIEWS

Previously, An produced Love is a Gun, which premiered at the prestigious 2023 Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week. The film received critical acclaim, with director Lee Hong-Chi being honored with the Lion of the Future – Luigi De Laurentiis Award. This success brought An into the international spotlight, showcasing his talent for identifying compelling stories and bringing them to life on the big screen. His ability to navigate the complexity of film production and foster creative storytelling has set him apart as a rising talent in the industry.

In this exclusive interview for DSCENE Magazine, Editor Anastasija Pavic explores the influences that shape Jianhao Andy An ‘s approach to filmmaking, focusing on how his multicultural background, straddling both China and New York City, informs his creative vision. An shares his insights on selecting projects that appeal to both festival audiences and mainstream viewers, the importance of cultural authenticity in his films, and the personal qualities he believes are essential for success in both Chinese and international film markets.

How has your cultural background and experience in both China and New York City shaped your approach to filmmaking?

My multicultural background has shaped my filmmaking by blending traditional Chinese values with global perspectives. In China, I focus on cultural and historical contexts, while overseas experience taught me how to mix tradition with innovation, creating films that resonate globally.

Having had your work showcased at prestigious film festivals like Venice, Sundance, and the London Critics’ Circle, how do you approach selecting projects that can resonate with both festival audiences and mainstream viewers?

I always look for projects that balance art and narrative. For example, Dwelling by the West Lake combined a compelling story with a strong artistic vision, making it rare in its appeal to both festival audiences and the general public. This balance is key—telling a story that connects emotionally while also offering a unique visual style. Also, Love is a Gun managed to bridge artistic expression and broader appeal.

What personal qualities do you think are essential for a producer to succeed in both the Chinese and international film industries?

Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, patience, and strong communication skills are crucial for success in both Chinese and international film industries. Navigating different markets and being open to learning are also key.

“Dwelling by the West Lake” explores the complexity of family dynamics. How do you ensure that the societal aspects you care about are authentically represented in your films?

To represent societal aspects, we made sure to deeply understand the culture and issues involved. In Dwelling by the West Lake, we focused on the nuances of family dynamics and societal pressures. This required thorough research and close collaboration with the director and screenwriters to ensure the story accurately reflected modern Chinese society. We also ensured that the characters were both relatable and true to their cultural background, conveying their emotional depth and complexity.

“This balance is key—telling a story that connects emotionally while also offering a unique visual style.”

What role does the setting of West Lake play in the film’s narrative, and how important was it to capture the essence of this location?

The tea mountain at West Lake plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the story. Capturing its essence was vital to convey its cultural significance and enhance the story’s mood. We spent a lot of time scouting locations and working with the cinematographer to ensure the natural beauty and cultural importance were fully realized on screen.

How do you approach the creative process when collaborating with a director like Gu Xiaogang, who has a distinct visual style?

Collaborating with director Gu Xiaogang involves understanding and supporting his vision while adding my own perspective. Open communication and mutual respect are essential to bringing his unique visual style to life. We discuss the story and its themes extensively, and I make sure to understand his visual language and how it serves the narrative.

When developing a film, how do you approach the process from idea to completion, and what phase do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the beginning phase, from shaping the story to pre-production planning. It always starts with an idea, and I love seeing the pieces start to come together. Post-production also attracts me a lot, as all the creative elements—sound, music, editing—come together to finalize the film.

How do you see the role of Chinese cinema on the global stage, and what contributions do you hope to make toward its evolution?

Chinese cinema has a unique voice that’s gaining recognition globally. I believe it offers diverse and universal perspectives. My hope is to produce films that highlight Chinese culture while appealing internationally, challenging stereotypes, and expanding global understanding of China.

“My hope is to produce films that highlight Chinese culture while appealing internationally, challenging stereotypes, and expanding global understanding of China.”

When dealing with the challenges of the film industry, what do you rely on to sustain your creativity and drive?

To sustain my creativity and drive, I rely on a strong sense of purpose and passion for storytelling. I also draw inspiration from the people I work with—their dedication and creativity keep me motivated. Staying curious and continuously learning also help maintain my creative drive.

What upcoming projects are you looking forward to, and how do you plan to keep evolving in your role as a producer and filmmaker?

I’m currently working on projects that continue to explore social themes and the complexities of human relationships. I’m also looking for an opportunity to collaborate with an emerging director who brings a fresh perspective to contemporary Chinese society. Also, I’m interested in the possibilities offered by new media and technology, as I believe they will play a significant role in the future of filmmaking.