At the 2024 Hainan Island International Film Festival, Italian cinematographer Paolo Carnera lit up screens with more than just visuals – he sparked conversations about cross-border creativity. 🌏 In an exclusive chat, the lens master behind iconic films revealed why cultural fusion is cinema's next big blockbuster.
\"Working with legends like Zhang Yimou showed me how Chinese storytelling can dance with European aesthetics,\" Carnera told CGTN's Zhang Meng. The John Wick franchise collaborator emphasized: \"When our crews swap techniques – not just cameras – that's when movie magic happens.\" 🎬
With over 40 countries represented at #HIIFF2024, Carnera sees festivals as \"UN summits for filmmakers.\" His takeaway? \"Italian directors should raid China's historical epic playbook, while Chinese teams could borrow our neorealist intimacy.\" 🤝
As streaming platforms blur geographic lines, Carnera predicts: \"The next Crouching Tiger-level hit will come from a Rome-Beijing co-production team.\" For young filmmakers? His advice trended instantly: \"Steal lighting tricks from foreign films – then make them yours.\" 💡
