[2025.02.09] JOHNNIE TO LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH TONY LEUNG CHIU WAI BEFORE RETIREMENT

Johnnie To discusses his film production plans in a foreign media interview

Tony Leung Chiu Wai has not yet signed on to work on Johnnie To's new film
courtesy of mingpao.com

Before attending the master class at the Doha Film Academy Qumra, Johnny To Kei Fung was interviewed by foreign media Screendaily. He talked about his film plans, and revealed the reason why the new film starring Anson Lo Hon Ting has not yet finished filming. He pointed out that in the past three years, the filming has only been intermittent for 10 days and the work has been suspended until now because he was numb. "I don't know how to keep shooting, so I can only wait".

The subject of the film was taken from his observations and feelings about Hong Kong today, talking about the subject of "hope". However he said that he was not ready. Although the story had a rough concept, it was immature and could not be revealed. To Keu Fung said, "The first step is to deal with my emotions about Hong Kong, but I have tried many times. I even thought about leaving Hong Kong to think about the script, but it was unsuccessful." He said that the film would also have a senior veteran actor and young actress to participate, and expected to complete the filming in the next 3 months. The title would not be announced until the end of post-production.

To Kei Fung talked about another new film in the pipeline. Reportedly it would be a mob movie starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai. It was expected to start filming at the end of this year or early next year, and will be shot on location in Hokkaido, Japan. He said that he has discussed the filming plan with Leung Chiu Wai, but he has not yet signed a contract. "He is my best friend, and I hope to make another movie with him before I retire or before he retires."

To Kei Fung said that he has not yet put aside the filming of ELECTION 3 (HAK SEH WUI 3). Although there is no script yet, he already has many ideas. "Now is not a good time. If there is a chance I will make it, but it must be made in Hong Kong. Otherwise it will be meaningless."

Speaking of Hong Kong film having more difficulties exporting aboard than in previous years, To Kei Fung felt that might be related to market changes. "Ten years ago, we could sell films to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, and some films could even go to Europe and South America; but now there are no such markets." He believed that this is partly due to the rise of streaming platforms, but refused to blame it for the narrowing of the market space. He argued that it only represented a change.

In the interview To Kei Fung expressed support for US President Donald Trump, believing that the US was "too left-leaning" earlier and describing the tariff measures as "reasonable".