Ning Hao tells Chinese road trip romance by 'Breakup Buddies'

4 Chinese films to be screened at Toronto film festival

Ning Hao talks about new film

"In regard to the market, I think it's OK, because I think my way of expression is using comedy, which is accepted in the Chinese market," he said.

Ning's film made its world premiere at TIFF this week. Describing it as the most extravagant premiere he has been to, Ning explained his decision to take his film to Toronto.

"One award used to be able to change a film's fate. It's not like that anymore," said Ning. "I believe it's the start of a new time. There will be new themes, new ways to express them, so we should use a new way to talk about the new China. That's why I felt like we should have a new festival."

After meeting international filmmakers throughout the 11-day festival, Ning strongly believes it is crucial to continue telling stories from a local perspective.

"I feel like our culture is different and that's our strength," he said. "So I think we need to continue to showcase our culture, or uniqueness. Filmmakers from other countries each bring their own cultural uniqueness into their work, and that's what makes it stand out."

"Breakup Buddies" is one of the 12 films, including Zhang Yimou's "Coming Home," Wang Xiaoshuai's "Red Amnesia," Ann Hui's "The Golden Era," Johnnie To's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart 2," Peter Ho-sun Chan's "Dearest," Wu Yonggang's "The Goddess," that travelled to Toronto from China this year.

Ning's film was picked up by China Lion Film Distribution for North America and Australia, where it will be released in October following its Sept. 20 release in China.