"I look forward to discovering the new generation of Chinese filmmakers and their ways to narrate a story at the Shanghai International Film Festival," renowned Italian filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore has said.

Italian film director Giuseppe Tornatore has handwritten a congratulatory note to the upcoming 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In an interview with Xinhua at his office in Rome, Italy, Tornatore showed reporters the Chinese version poster of The Legend of 1900, a film that depicts the story of a piano prodigy who lives his entire life on a ship. The film has been released twice in Chinese theaters and received positive feedback.

"I'm very happy that Chinese audiences like my films," he said.

Tornatore has been appointed jury president for the main competition section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, which is scheduled to be held from June 13 to 22.

"It was a big honor for me. I'm sure that in Shanghai I will see good movies," he said.

Tornatore noted that Chinese films have achieved notable success in international markets in recent years, and Films such as Ne Zha 2, The Wandering Earth 2 and Caught by the Tides have earned international acclaim.

Renowned for his masterpieces including Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso, Tornatore emphasized that the key to making films loved by global audiences is staying true to one's own heart.

"Cinema Paradiso is a great example. When I decided to make this film, I wasn't thinking about how to win the approval of audiences in Europe, the U.S., or China. Instead, I wanted to tell a personal story. I tried to make sure the characters and everything in the film were believable so that the audiences could connect with them," Tornatore said.

The film director said he enjoys watching Chinese films. "I love this different point of view that other cinematographers bring, and I can also learn about the story of China and the culture of Chinese people."

Speaking of the influence of AI and other emerging technologies on the film industry, Tornatore said he is interested in AI and believes it offers new possibilities for both film production and the restoration of classic films.

"My dream is to make a film entirely on my own without the help of anybody and to have my grandfather as the main character. AI can give me this opportunity," Tornatore said.