He got his hands on the plan 11 years later. Just as the author Gabriel Garcia Marquez once told him: "When you have a story in your mind, don't rush to write it down. Keep thinking about it. The more you think, the richer it becomes." Once Tornatore began the story, it took just two and a half months to complete the script.

Aside from being an acclaimed film director, Tornatore is also an established writer — several of his films are adapted into novels. Muller asked why Tornatore didn't adapt Nuovo Cinema Paradiso into a novel.

"I did try, but it's a story that never ends. It is about the making of a film director. Almost 40 years have passed and many people still come to see it. We still talk about it like the film is still going. Maybe one day, I will complete the story," he says.

An audience member at the session asked Tornatore, with the popularity of short videos and internet content today, what filmmakers should do to keep audiences interested. Tornatore said that he is aware that China has more cinema screens than any other country in the world. "If you are faced with this, it is a serious challenge for filmmakers today."

However, he believes filmmakers should be encouraged because, compared to 50 years ago, the ways people watch movies and engage with film art have become increasingly rich and diverse. "With continuous technological innovation, we must create more diverse films, have confidence, and keep the faith.

"Despite the rapid changes in the world, we still have to hold on to our principles, remain true to our aspirations, and keep doing what we have been doing."