'It's Nostalgia in the Future'.(Wong Kar-wai movie "2046")(Brief Article)

Wearing a polo shirt and jeans, Wong Kar-wai is at work in his Hong Kong office, studying footage for his upcoming movie, "2046." Set in Hong Kong, Seoul and Thailand and featuring stars from Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Japan, it is a leading example of the emergence of Pan-Asian film productions. After taking a drag on his cigarette, the 42-year-old director, known for award-winning films including "In the Mood for Love" and "Fallen Angels," took time out to discuss the future of Asian film with NEWSWEEK's Gregory Beals.

Wong on why Asian films are so hot now:

The center of filmmaking has again shifted. Japanese cinema was the main supplier for international art houses. As Asia as a whole becomes more important, its cinema is also getting more attention. European and American critics and audiences are in the process of discovering them.

On "2046":

The idea of the film came in 1997. In those days just before the handover, the Chinese government promised 50 years without change. In the film there is a place called 2046, because after 50 years there will be no places, only numbers. It will be a utopia. There in 2046 they think nothing will change. The film is set in the future, but it's more about now. I want to talk about people trying to preserve something that ...