Despite refusing interview requests, celebrated Taiwanese film director Ang Lee satisfied attendees at a 2-hour forum held in line with the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival.
As expected from a revered icon whose awards haul includes multiple Academy Award trophies, Lee's presence drew hundreds of film enthusiasts.
People were seen lining up at the entrance of the forum's venue, where Lee was among the presenters, China Daily reported.
The 61-year-old director did not disappoint the crowd as he shared words of wisdom with the audience, bucking the traditional knowledge perpetuating in the local film industry today.
"It's now a golden era for Chinese filmmakers. But filmmaking is a matter of culture. You have to be patient and give it time," Lee said.
The unconventional statement comes on the back of China's fast-rising movie market, which is now the second largest in the world.
Wharton marketing professor Z. John Zhang even called this space a "sunrise industry" that is trumping the country's traditional economic growth drivers, most notably manufacturing.
For Lee, however, plunging into the trend right away is not always good, especially if the maker does not put his heart into the craft.
"The most important thing as a human being is to be faithful to your heart. No matter how the market expands, film is still something close to your heart," the "Brokeback Mountain" director warned.
"I know many big stars want to make quality films," Lee said. "They would compromise on the pay for a good story. It's a very common phenomenon that most of the A-list actors pursue artistic reputation as well as money from big-budget titles."
Asked for his advice to young filmmakers, Lee assured them that they should not hurry.
"Don't let them go too fast. I started my career at 36. So no worries for you young guys," Lee stressed.