Peter Chan Recalls UFO Era, Industry Transformation at Tokyo: ‘I Make Movies That the Market Needs’

Peter Chan, Hong Kong's former filmmaking icon, revisited the Tokyo International Film Festival nearly three decades after the heyday of his UFO (United Filmmakers Organization) era. Speaking at a venue where two of his most iconic films, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father" and "He's a Woman, She's a Man," had once drawn overflow crowds to Shibuya venues, Chan shared his journey from an independent-minded Hong Kong filmmaker to a major Chinese production powerhouse.

Those formative years of UFO marked the pinnacle of Chan's creative life. In a 1994 festival gift, he was photographed alongside fellow directors Jacob Cheung, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Carina Lau at an old venue, etching an indelible memory that "were the best days of my life." His groundbreaking approach to filmmaking emerged from his frustration with Hong Kong's industry constraints. Chan co-founded UFO in 1992 with like-minded directors who sought autonomy amidst the city's action-comedy dominated landscape.

Necessity became their greatest teacher, driving them to innovate and take creative risks that other filmmakers couldn't or wouldn't. Inspired by United Artists, the filmmaker-driven studio founded by Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford, UFO provided a haven where young visionaries could bring forth films they truly desired.

Chan recognized his company's pivotal role in shaping Hong Kong cinema during its golden age. However, this independence came at the cost of timing – Hong Kong's decline began to unfold around 1991-1992, accelerated by the collapse of Taiwan's market and the Taiwanese distributors' increasing dominance over film content.

As Chan transitioned into mainland Chinese production, he confronted a vastly different industry landscape. "I make movies that the market needs" became his guiding philosophy as he successfully navigated complex commercial landscapes. His 2005 musical "Perhaps Love" marked the beginning of this new chapter, showcasing his versatility and willingness to adapt to changing audience demands.

In recent years, Chan has continued to excel in large-scale Chinese productions, prioritizing commercial viability over artistic freedom. While maintaining a reputation for quality and nuance, he acknowledges that working within these constraints often requires sacrificing some creative control.

The 2024 film "She Has No Name," based on China's most famous unsolved murder case, exemplifies Chan's ability to adapt his style to resonate with Chinese audiences while still conveying universal themes. With each project, he seeks to craft stories that transcend borders and speak directly to the human experience – a testament to his enduring artistic voice.

While opinions about "Comrades: Almost a Love Story" vary among critics, it remains the film that resonates most with audiences, according to Chan. He attributes this phenomenon to timing and market forces. While these considerations might influence the outcome of a project, they don't dictate its artistry or impact. Ultimately, Peter Chan's journey serves as a poignant reminder that even in an industry dominated by commercial pressures, creative vision can endure through perseverance and adaptability.

Chan's latest film, "She Has No Name," premiered at Cannes this year, and the second part is expected to release next year. With his continued success, he maintains his position as one of the most respected voices in contemporary Chinese cinema.

man Peter Chan's story is so inspiring , from being a rebel filmmaker who wanted autonomy in Hong Kong's film industry to becoming a major player in mainland China ... he's like the ultimate example of how you can adapt and thrive in different environments . I mean, he took those risks with UFO back in the day and it totally paid off . And now he's still pushing boundaries with his latest film "She Has No Name" - it's crazy to see how he's able to balance commercial success with staying true to his artistic vision . kudos to him for persevering and never giving up on his passion .

omg i'm lowkey inspired by peter chan's journey ! it's crazy how far he's come from being an indie filmmaker trying to break free from industry constraints to becoming a major production powerhouse . his ability to adapt and prioritize commercial viability over artistic freedom is pretty fascinating . i mean, can you imagine having to make movies that the market needs? it's like, what happened to just making art for the sake of art? but at the same time, chan has managed to maintain a reputation for quality and nuance while still resonating with audiences on a global scale . his dedication to crafting stories that transcend borders and speak directly to the human experience is so admirable . what do you guys think about peter chan's filmography?

lol just saw that Peter Chan was at Tokyo International Film Festival again after all those years... can you imagine what he must have thought when he walked into that venue and saw how much has changed? Like, he's still killing it tho, but you gotta feel for the guy - he had to adapt his style so much just to keep up with the market demands . I mean, who needs artistic freedom when you can make bank, right? but seriously, his commitment to crafting stories that transcend borders and speak directly to the human experience is what keeps him relevant in my opinion. and btw, has anyone seen "Comrades: Almost a Love Story"? I'm curious about how it holds up...

man... Peter Chan's story is like a masterclass on how to adapt & evolve , ya know? He started out as this rebellious filmmaker trying to break free from Hong Kong's constraints, but then he found his way into the mainland scene and had to adjust to a whole new beast of an industry . At first, it felt like he was sacrificing some of that artistic freedom for commercial viability, but honestly, it's kinda impressive how well he's made it work for himself . I mean, sure, there are gonna be films where you're all "meh" about the outcome, but with a body of work as vast as his, it's hard not to respect the man's vision & resilience . He's still pushing boundaries & telling stories that transcend borders – that's what makes him so iconic in the first place

I think it's pretty interesting how Peter Chan went from being a trailblazing Hong Kong filmmaker to a major player in mainland Chinese productions . His journey shows that sometimes necessity can be a great teacher, and he had to adapt to the changing industry landscape . He still manages to craft stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, which is no easy feat . I also appreciate how he prioritizes nuance over commercial viability in his films – it's not always easy to balance artistic vision with market demands . His perseverance and willingness to evolve are key factors in his enduring success . The fact that "She Has No Name" has been well-received despite being based on a real-life case is a testament to Chan's storytelling abilities .

man, cant believe theyre still talking about UFO like its some kind of myth those days were iconic but let's be real, chan had to sell out eventually now hes all about making movies that appeal to chinese audiences and sacrificing artistic freedom his latest film "she has no name" is cool i guess, but its not like he broke any new ground or anything still makes me wonder what couldve been if chan never sold out to the mainstream

man... it's crazy to think that Peter Chan, the guy who used to push boundaries with UFO back in the 90s, is now making big-budget films for mainland China . I mean, don't get me wrong, he's still killing it and bringing great stories to the screen, but sometimes I wonder what happened to all that edginess . Like, remember when we used to go see those Hong Kong movies at the cinema in Shibuya and they'd always blow our minds with their raw energy? Those were the days, you know? Anyway, Peter's still got it, and his ability to adapt is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker .

omg u no how hard it is 2 make a movie that people actually wanna see ! chan's journey from being some kind of rebel filmmaker 2 making movies that the market needs r pretty inspiring tbh. i mean, he took risks & did his own thing when he was young, but then he had to adapt 2 fit into the commercial landscape of china . it's like u gotta be smart & strategic 2 make art 4 the masses while still stayin true 2 ur vision . anywayz, i think he does a pretty good job of balancin both . and yeah, his films r more relatable 2 chinese audiences than maybe western ones

Peter Chan's journey from a filmmaking icon to a production powerhouse is truly inspiring ! His passion for creative freedom and innovative storytelling has always driven him . I think it's awesome how he's adapted to the changing landscape of Chinese cinema, prioritizing commercial viability while still showcasing his artistry .

His commitment to universal themes and human experiences is something we can all get behind . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? His perseverance in the face of industry constraints is a testament to his determination and creativity .

It's also interesting to see how he's navigated the complex commercial landscapes . His willingness to take risks and push boundaries has resulted in some amazing films . I'm excited to see what's next for Peter Chan !

So Peter Chan goes back to Tokyo after 30 yrs, what's new? He used to be like a hero in Hong Kong film scene but now it seems like his company "UFO" is all about making bank, you know? The guy had some cool ideas but eventually had to adapt to the market and sacrifice some of that artistic freedom. I mean, who needs creative control if you can just make money, right?

And I don't get why people are still talking about those old UFO films like they're still relevant or something... "He Ain't Heavy" and all that jazz just aren't as special as everyone makes them out to be. Don't get me wrong, Chan has had his success with these bigger Chinese productions but it's not like he's revolutionizing the film industry or anything...

i think it's REALLY cool how peter chan went from being a super independent filmmaker in hong kong to making huge movies in china he had this vision for innovation and taking risks that really paid off, especially with his co-founded studio UFO but now he has to navigate these new commercial landscapes and find ways to balance quality with market demands it's not always easy, but he's still making movies that people love and that speak to the human experience what i think is most impressive is how he's managed to stay true to himself as an artist while also adapting to the changing industry landscape

Ugh just watched an interview with Peter Chan from 2024 and it's like the whole film industry has been hijacked by commercial pressure . He used to be all about innovation and taking risks, but now he's making movies that the market "needs" instead of the ones he truly wants to make . It's sad to see how much creative freedom has slipped away from him over the years . Still, I guess it's admirable that he's able to maintain a certain level of artistic integrity despite all this .

so peter chan was like a rebel filmmaker back in hong kong, trying to break free from the usual formulaic movies that were super popular at the time. he wanted to make films that were more artistic and had real substance. but, things didn't work out as planned and hong kong's film industry started to decline. so, chan had to adapt and start making movies for a wider audience in mainland china.

i think it's cool how he was inspired by old studios like united artists and tried to create his own space where filmmakers could be more free to express themselves. but, he also realizes that sometimes you have to compromise on your creative vision to make a movie that people will actually watch.

anyway, chan is still super respected in the film industry for his ability to balance artistic integrity with commercial success. and it's awesome that he continues to make movies that explore universal themes and human experiences.

omg u gotta feel 4 peter chan , the guy's been through so much & still killin it! i know some ppl might say he sold out by makin films for chinese audiences, but honestly, it's all about adaptin to the market & makin movies that people wanna see . he's not lost his artistic voice or anythin, he's just found ways 2 make stories that resonate w/ china's audience . ppl need 2 stop judgin him based on trends & just appreciate the man's dedication 2 his craft

man... peter chan's story is like a wild ride . from being an indie filmmaker trying to break free from hong kong's industry constraints to becoming this huge production powerhouse in mainland china . it's crazy how he had to adapt his style to fit the chinese market, sacrificing some creative control but still managing to bring quality and nuance to his films . i mean, can you imagine trying to make a film based on china's most famous unsolved murder case? that takes guts . and yeah, it's interesting how he credits timing and market forces for the success of "comrades: almost a love story" - but at the same time, he knows that doesn't dictate its artistry or impact . anyway, peter chan's journey is definitely one to watch .

I loved seeing Peter Chan back on the festival circuit all these years later . It's crazy how much Hong Kong film history was lost when they were so dominant . I do think it's interesting how Chan adapted to China's new landscape, making movies that the market needs . Sometimes I worry he sacrifices a bit too much artistic control in the process . But at the same time, it's amazing to see him still pushing universal themes and human experiences through his films . "She Has No Name" was so hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking . Let's keep hoping Chan stays true to himself amidst all the commercial pressures

Just rewatched "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father" and it's amazing how much Peter Chan's journey has influenced him. Like, from being part of that iconic UFO crew to becoming a major player in mainland China... Talk about adapting to changing times! What I love most is that he still makes movies that speak to the human experience, you know? Not just some formulaic Chinese blockbuster stuff. And honestly, his willingness to compromise on creative control to fit the market has paid off – the guy's still cranking out quality films

I think it's pretty cool how Peter Chan evolved from being a true indie filmmaker to becoming a major force in Chinese production . It's like he went from making movies that resonated with just him and his crew to making films that have a huge impact on the box office . Of course, this shift came at a cost - some of those indie vibes got lost in the process . But I think it's awesome how he adapted to the market demands while still trying to bring unique stories to life . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good mystery? "She Has No Name" is like the ultimate Chinese thriller ! Anyway, I'm excited to see what's next for this legendary filmmaker

Peter Chan's transition from Hong Kong to mainland China was a necessary move, but it's sad that he had to sacrifice so much creative freedom in the process . I mean, who needs artistic autonomy when you can make bank and appeal to a massive audience? That said, his ability to adapt and produce quality films like "She Has No Name" is definitely impressive . And let's be real, the fact that he's still relevant after all these years is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker . But I do wish he'd consider exploring more experimental projects – we need more innovative voices in Chinese cinema!