• Latest
DSCENE Interview: Jianhao Andy An’s Cinematic Vision

DSCENE Interview: Jianhao Andy An’s Cinematic Vision

August 29, 2024
Patou Spring Summer 2026 Runway Collection

Patou Spring Summer 2026 Runway Collection

July 7, 2025
Celine Spring 2026: Michael Rider Ushers In The New Era

Celine Spring 2026: Michael Rider Ushers In The New Era

July 6, 2025
Johannelys Garcia Stars on the Beauty Cover of DSCENE’s Defiance Issue

Johannelys Garcia Stars on the Beauty Cover of DSCENE’s Defiance Issue

July 4, 2025
New Balance

Best New Balance Deals for Back to School 2025

July 4, 2025
KENZO FUTURA 2000

KENZO and Futura 2000 Unveil Limited Edition Collaboration

July 4, 2025
JJJJound Puma Mostro

JJJJound and PUMA Present a New Take on the Mostro

July 4, 2025
Gabbriette and Amelia Gray Front FENDI’s Spy Bag Comeback

Gabbriette and Amelia Gray Front FENDI’s Spy Bag Comeback

July 4, 2025
Who Decides War Reworks the Jordan Flight Court in Muslin Tones

Who Decides War Reworks the Jordan Flight Court in Muslin Tones

July 4, 2025
Damian Lillard and adidas Drop the Dame X in Full Force

Damian Lillard and adidas Drop the Dame X in Full Force

July 4, 2025
Nike Dunk Low Panda “Picante Red” Brings Fuzzy Flair to a Classic

Nike Dunk Low Panda “Picante Red” Brings Fuzzy Flair to a Classic

July 4, 2025
Is 2025 the Worst Year for the Art Business?

Is 2025 the Worst Year for the Art Business?

July 4, 2025
Ellipse by Chiara Andreatti Reinvents the Modular Sofa

Ellipse by Chiara Andreatti Reinvents the Modular Sofa

July 4, 2025
DSCENE
  • LATEST
  • FASHION
    • Ad Campaigns
    • Collections
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Menswear
      • Pre-Fall 2025 Collections
      • Spring Summer 2025 Womenswear
      • Spring Summer 2025 Menswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Menswear
      • Couture Collections
      • Bridal Collections
      • Capsule Collections
    • Jewelry
    • Lookbooks
    • Street Style
    • Backstage
    • Directory
      • Agencies
        • Creative Talent Agencies
        • Modelling Agencies
      • Brands
      • Photographers
      • Fashion Stylists
      • Hair Stylists
      • Makeup Artists
      • Female Models
      • Male Models
  • SNEAKERS
  • MAGAZINES
    • DSCENE Magazine
    • MMSCENE Magazine
    • EDITORIALS
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Interviews
    • Exclusive
  • TRAVEL
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
  • ART
    • Art
    • Design
      • Furniture
    • Architecture
      • Interior Design
  • SHOP
    • ABOUT
No Result
View All Result
DSCENE
  • LATEST
  • FASHION
    • Ad Campaigns
    • Collections
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Menswear
      • Pre-Fall 2025 Collections
      • Spring Summer 2025 Womenswear
      • Spring Summer 2025 Menswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Menswear
      • Couture Collections
      • Bridal Collections
      • Capsule Collections
    • Jewelry
    • Lookbooks
    • Street Style
    • Backstage
    • Directory
      • Agencies
        • Creative Talent Agencies
        • Modelling Agencies
      • Brands
      • Photographers
      • Fashion Stylists
      • Hair Stylists
      • Makeup Artists
      • Female Models
      • Male Models
  • SNEAKERS
  • MAGAZINES
    • DSCENE Magazine
    • MMSCENE Magazine
    • EDITORIALS
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Interviews
    • Exclusive
  • TRAVEL
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
  • ART
    • Art
    • Design
      • Furniture
    • Architecture
      • Interior Design
  • SHOP
    • ABOUT
No Result
View All Result
DSCENE
No Result
View All Result

DSCENE Interview: Jianhao Andy An’s Cinematic Vision

Andy An discusses his rise in the film industry and the importance of cultural authenticity

August 29, 2024
in DSCENE MAGAZINE, Interviews
1
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Courtesy of Jianhao Andy An

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.

“Dwelling by the West Lake” poster

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.

Courtesy of Jianhao Andy An

“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.

“Dwelling by the West Lake” poster

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.

Tags: ExclusiveInterviewsMovies
Anastasija Pavic

Anastasija Pavic

Related Posts

Johannelys Garcia Stars on the Beauty Cover of DSCENE’s Defiance Issue
Beauty

Johannelys Garcia Stars on the Beauty Cover of DSCENE’s Defiance Issue

July 4, 2025
QUEENS OF EVERYTHING: New York City Drag by Martin Gatti
Covers

QUEENS OF EVERYTHING: New York City Drag by Martin Gatti

July 2, 2025
Kate Nixon Reflects on a Decade of Kat the Label
Exclusive

Kate Nixon Reflects on a Decade of Kat the Label

July 1, 2025
The Pause Between Moments With Lexia Hachtmann
Anastasija Pavic

The Pause Between Moments With Lexia Hachtmann

June 30, 2025

Comments 1

  1. Janet Andres says:
    10 months ago

    i love his work! beautiful interivew from DSCENE with Andy

dscene

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

DSCENE

DSCENE is curated as a daily art, design, fashion & lifestyle destination. DSCENE is non-for-profit fashion and culture basis organization which aims at further development of research on DSCENE values, as well as on providing educational services. Home of magazine editions DSCENE and MMSCENE – Click for more about DSCENE and for our Terms of Service.

Subscribe Our Newsletter

© 2024 DSCENE Publishing. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • LATEST
  • FASHION
    • Ad Campaigns
    • Collections
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2025.26 Menswear
      • Pre-Fall 2025 Collections
      • Spring Summer 2025 Womenswear
      • Spring Summer 2025 Menswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Womenswear
      • Fall Winter 2024.25 Menswear
      • Couture Collections
      • Bridal Collections
      • Capsule Collections
    • Jewelry
    • Lookbooks
    • Street Style
    • Backstage
    • Directory
      • Agencies
      • Brands
      • Photographers
      • Fashion Stylists
      • Hair Stylists
      • Makeup Artists
      • Female Models
      • Male Models
  • SNEAKERS
  • MAGAZINES
    • DSCENE Magazine
    • MMSCENE Magazine
    • EDITORIALS
  • EXCLUSIVE
    • Interviews
    • Exclusive
  • TRAVEL
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
  • ART
    • Art
    • Design
      • Furniture
    • Architecture
      • Interior Design
  • SHOP
    • ABOUT
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.