[MIFFest] Wu Jing Receives 'Outstanding Achievement Award', Goes Crazy Over Durian: Wants to Shoot Films in Malaysia Like Jackie Chan

Chinese martial arts star Wu Jing came to Malaysia and indulged in durian to his heart’s content, even expressing an interest in making a movie in Malaysia! Wu Jing attended the 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) Golden Ring Awards, where he personally received the 'Outstanding Achievements in Film' award and attended the screening of his movie 'Dartman: Winds of the Desert' on the night of the 24th, getting up close with Malaysian fans. Talking about Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh filming the classic 'Police Story 3: Supercop' in Malaysia years ago—including iconic scenes with a helicopter ride, a motorcycle jumping over a train, fighting on top of the train, and sitting on durians—Wu Jing admitted he was very envious and hopes he’ll have the opportunity to showcase Malaysian culture on the big screen in the future. 'If there is a chance, just like what Brother Jackie and Sister Yeoh did back then, to shoot a movie here, that would be such an enjoyable experience.'

Wu Jing said that whenever he visits a place, he finds it very interesting to incorporate local culture into films. He believes Malaysia is rich in cultural heritage, whether it’s the ocean views of Sipadan Island or the historical culture of Malacca, there are so many stories worth exploring. 'Let’s see if the opportunity and the right fate come along.'

Returning to Malaysia after many years, Wu Jing joked that this trip he 'ate durian to his heart’s content' and also highly praised the local food. He revealed that over the past few days, he’s almost tasted all sorts of food, though there is one thing he hasn’t tried yet—'Wang Bu Liao' fish. 'It was Sister Angelica Lee (Lee Sinje) who told me about it.' He laughed and said, 'If I eat it, I guess I’ll never forget Malaysia.' Wu Jing also revealed that he recently met up with Lee Sinje and director Peng Shun and his wife, and was deeply impressed by Peng Shun’s passion for his new work. 'He’s devoted so much to this movie, putting himself into it so intensely that it gave me goosebumps.'

Talking about his starring film 'Dartman: Winds of the Desert,' Wu Jing admitted that in recent years, wuxia action movies have faced quite a few challenges, and everyone is wondering: 'Does wuxia still have a future? Are today’s audiences still willing to watch wuxia?' He said he had previously prepared a number of wuxia projects, but, unable to be sure of what modern audiences expected from the genre, he never officially started them. It wasn’t until action director Yuen Woo-ping approached him, hoping not to wait until wuxia movies gradually disappear, that Wu Jing decided to go for it. 'If we don’t make them now, wuxia films may only become fewer and fewer.' He described 'Dartman' as being created with the mindset of putting together 'a grand martial arts feast,' hoping to bring together action filmmakers from different generations to leave lasting memories of wuxia films for the audience.

Wu Jing stated that the cast of 'Dartman' spans across generations, with an age range of 100 years, bringing together veteran action stars and young actors alike. In order to present the most authentic action effects, all actors trained in advance for fight choreography, wire work, and horse riding. He believes that although technology keeps advancing, what truly moves the audience is still the creator’s sincerity and dedication. 'Audiences can really feel it—whether a work is crafted with heart.'

At the sharing session, Wu Jing also interacted with fans. A female audience member said she was inspired after watching 'Dartman,' not only rewatching his works, but also developing an interest in learning filmmaking and aspiring to be a director in the future. When she complimented Wu Jing as 'cute,' he burst out laughing and gifted her an autographed photo. After the event, many fans queued for his autograph, to which Wu Jing responded patiently, showing his down-to-earth side.