Chinese art to get makeover in Oscar-winning style of NZ filmmaker(2)

GROWING RELATIONSHIP

Ward believes Christchurch is the ideal place for budding filmmakers as the rebirth of the city since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 has signaled a rebirth in film at the university where he himself originally studied.

As well as this opportunity to build bridges between tertiary institutions in China and New Zealand, Ward will be cultivating his own connections, seeking to secure a Chinese investor for a still confidential New Zealand-Australian feature film co- production.

And each visit to China exposes his art to new influences, including ideas for a possible feature film that he would like to shoot in China.

"It's a growing thing. That's why I'm interested in being part of this workshop. I'm going to learn a lot more than I can give, so it will be a two-way thing. I like traditional Chinese art and ink painting, but I also like the new Chinese cinema," said Ward.

"I find what's happening in China at the moment tremendously exciting, so I'm learning in many different fields and many different directions. As much as I can give, I'm also learning. That sort of exchange I find very stimulating."

Ward said the contrasts between China and New Zealand had provided a foundation for a "real growing relationship" between the two countries.

"It feels like quite a strong relationship, I think because New Zealand is probably more open than many other countries and we're a really very cross-cultural country. Also we're not set in tradition so we complement China well in some ways."