HK legend Simon Yam loves working with new blood
Simon Yam said he's looking to do a movie in Singapore. Photo: Hon Jing Yi
SINGAPORE - It has been decades since Simon Yam starred in his first show, but the Hong Kong actor says his love for his job has never diminished.
“I feel a lot of passion for movies, and I am sincere about every movie I make. I love movies too much,” he said.
Yam was speaking with reporters at Marina Bay Sands Hotel on Saturday (Dec 3) in Singapore, where he is receiving the Cinema Legend Award at the Singapore International Film Festival’s (SGIFF) Silver Screen Awards.
The acclaimed actor, who has appeared in more than 200 movies, is being honoured for his lifelong dedication to acting and the arts, as well as his contribution to Asian cinema.
He will also be speaking at the event, In Conversation With Simon Yam on Sunday at the ArtScience Museum.
The 61-year-old actor, who was also spotted having dinner with Singaporean film-makers Anthony Chen and Royston Tan and actress Oon Shu An, among others, on Friday evening, said his passion for the film industry also means he often chooses projects that allow him to work with new blood.
“I love working with new directors and producers, because we can discuss new ideas, and I can keep learning. I can use those (ideas) when I make movies in the future,” Yam said, adding that he was in talks to make a movie in Singapore, but that nothing was confirmed.
“I don’t have enough money because I often make movies with new directors,” he quipped. “Of course, we make commercial movies too, but I think it’s more meaningful to help new directors attain their vision.”
Responding to criticism about the current state of Hong Kong’s film industry, Yam said he was hopeful for the future.
“But there are too many temptations now, and it’s easy to make money too quickly, so the younger generation (of actors) don’t (necessarily) have true passion for the job,” he mused.
“As long as they find more enthusiasm and passion for the job, I am sure there will be hope for them too.”
