Peter Chan: AI Won't Steal Filmmaking Art

Acclaimed filmmaker Peter Chan, known for "Comrades: Almost a Love Story," revealed his intention to utilize AI in filmmaking, but strictly as a technical tool akin to CGI, not for AI-generated content (AIGC). Chan asserted that movies will endure the current media landscape, even as short-form and vertical dramas gain popularity. He noted the simultaneous survival of long-form podcasts and traditional movies, predicting the latter's longevity.

Chan's latest film, "The Road Not Taken," addresses Alzheimer's disease through the lens of a family navigating divorce and memory loss. The narrative intricately weaves in themes of love, aging, and intergenerational dynamics, featuring characters reflecting his personal life, including his daughter who is training as an actor. The film's English title is inspired by Robert Frost's poem, serving as Chan's life motto.

Reflecting on his career, Chan shared lessons learned from visiting an Alzheimer's care institution in Chengdu, China, summarizing his approach with the phrase "go with the flow, and know when to stop." He recalled the '90s as a period of decline for Hong Kong cinema, despite his own successes. Chan also touched upon his challenging experience with the U.S. studio system and the reliance on algorithms, drawing parallels to modern test screenings.

Chan recounted the success and impact of his 1996 film "Comrades," which significantly influenced filmmakers across Asia, though it barely recouped its investment. He described it as a film that gave him a "lease of movie life." Despite being seen as a genre-hopper, Chan identified recurring themes of love triangles throughout his directorial work, suggesting that each film addresses fundamental life questions he grapples with at different stages.