The Silver Bear winning film Isabella has opened in cinemas across China this Tuesday. 

 

Director Pang Ho-cheung and lead actor Chapman To arrived in Guangzhou yesterday to promote their film. 　　

 

It is a debut from the director and actor's newly established "Not Brothers" Film Company. 　　

 

"People think that I can only shoot comedy genre films, so this time I made a different one on purpose to jump away from this concept," the leading-edge director said at the press conference.

 

　　

 

Though the film boasts a "serious art house" style, Pang Ho-cheung still made sure his own unique style shines through.

 

"There are many situations in which the truth only comes out at the last minute. Sometimes you think you've discovered the truth, but then it turns out to be just one angle of reality. I hope audiences can get this impression after watching this film," the director explained. 　　

 

Lead actor Chapman To joked to the media that the performance of the dog in the film is astonishing, and that even some French media wanted to have an interview with the dog. In talking about the theme of the film, the actor was frank in admitting that he wanted to face his own inner mind in this role, and he regarded it as an opportunity for self-examination of his possible misbehaviors in real life. 　

 

Besides Pang's typical black humor, this mischievous director also plotted some other surprises for us in Isabella. With exotic Portuguese architecture, amorous Fado music, a pair mistaken as father and daughter, and a weird journey to find a dog named Isabella, this film has many wonders waiting under the surface. 　　

 

After all, Director Pang Ho-cheung is certainly not known as one who follows the rules. 　

 

(CRI April 5, 2006)