‘Of course this is about money’: actress Gong Li irked by lack of Chinese films at Cannes
Star of Zhang Yimou films such as Raise the Red Lantern says films can nourish the soul, not just entertain, and puts lack of Chinese representation at film festival down to overemphasis on box office
Actress Gong Li made a head-turning return to the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, but the Memoirs of a Geisha star said she’s disappointed at the absence of Chinese films at the festival this year.
Not a single Chinese film is in competition, out of competition, or selected for any other category. Gong said she believes that’s a sign of an industry that cares too deeply about the dollar sign.
“Of course this is about money,” she said. “We need to tell everyone that a movie is not merely for entertainment. It might leave you with something much deeper for your soul. It’s not just for laughs, not just for jokes. It’s more than that. There’s not a lot of people talking about that in China right now.”
The 50-year-old actress has previously starred in films in competition at Cannes and has served as a jury member.
