Director dons producer's hat - now working on a romance film

Stanley Kwan (left) partners with Taiwan director Lin Yu-hsien for the upcoming film.[Photo provided to China Daily]

As for Never Said Goodbye, it is his second production effort with Lin, a talented Taiwan director known for his humorous takes on culture and life.

While Lin is reluctant to reveal details of his latest project, he tells China Daily that the new film is about a bittersweet romance between a South Korean engineer and a young Chinese woman.

"For some reason, the man has to watch his beloved woman from a distance," he says.

"The story can be understood as: 'I'm always here with you, but I cannot let you know I'm here'," he says.

Giving more details, Kwan says the film moves from the narrow alleys of Shanghai to sunny Sicily in Italy, symbolizing the transformation of the protagonists' personalities.

"Sicily is a beautiful island full of sunshine and surrounded by the ocean. I believe that only a place as open as Sicily can help you let go of all your sorrows and desperation," he says when asked if Italy's policy of encouraging foreign filmmakers to come to the country drew them there.

The cast for the film is international. It stars South Korean actor Lee Joon-gi, known for his role in King and the Clown, Chinese mainland actress Zhou Dongyu, and Taiwan actor Ethan Juan.

Despite its star power, the film may face challenges in the mainland market, because the genre is not favored here.

Speaking of film's prospects, Lin says: "Since we began work we've heard two views. One is romance is no longer a popular genre, and the other is Sino-South Korean productions don't do well in the mainland."

Kwan, the cinematic master of romance, whose 1990s classics gained recognition in Europe, is also measured in his comments. He says: "Romance is a difficult genre. It cannot draw attention easily like a big action film.

"Love stories occur in our daily lives. Love is an inexhaustible source for inspiration. It just depends on how you use it. The key to making a good romance is to put your heart into it."