Chinese director Jiang Ping said that gratitude and kindness are the most important qualities of people in any endeavor.

“Only people who possess sincere gratitude are qualified to talk about the cultivation of art, and become a successful artist or individual,” he said.

Jiang spoke at a seminar called Art and Life, presented by the RS International Cultural Company and Global Chinese Press at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport in Richmond on Monday.

Jiang also talked about the development and life of filmmakers and actors in China.

“Personally, I think there’s never a lack of outstanding actors in China’s film industry, but what the industry needs is good actors who are dedicated and not flamboyant,” said Jiang.

“Don’t covet vanity, and [keep your] feet on the ground,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to share the stories of the actors that I’ve closely worked with, with many young people,” said Jiang. “Famous actresses like Vicki Zhao and Li Bingbing all had their difficult times.”

The three-hour seminar was enthusiastically received by the 100 in attendance, many of whom arrived early for Jiang’s speech and stayed afterward to take photos with the director.

Jiang graduated from the directing department of the Shanghai Theater Academy. He is well known for his films Looking for Jackie (2009), Kang Ding Qing Ge (2010) and Heart of China (1999).

Jiang served as the office director and legal representative of the Shanghai International Film Festival in 1993, and was the art director of the Shanghai municipal administration of culture, radio, film and TV in 1999.

He became the director and vice-president of the Shanghai film group in 2011, and the deputy director of the State Administration of press, publication, radio, film and television of the People’s Republic in China in 2003.

Jiang now serves as the secretary and managing deputy head for the CPC committee of China broadcasting art troupe, and the vice-president of the China television director committee.

Co-organizers were the Canadian International Culture and Education Exchange Center, World Chinese Weekly, Lahoo Vancouver and Dealuse.com.