File photo of Jiang Wenli (MOVIEHB.COM)

Actress-turned-director Jiang Wenli's debut San brought home the Best Director Award and Best Leading Actor Award at the first Macao International Movie Festival, held last week.

Despite her success, Jiang announced Saturday on returning to Beijing, that she does not have any future plans as a director.

"For me, directing is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I'm satisfied and grateful for having the opportunity to have directed the film, but in the future I think I will stick to my acting career," Jiang said.

San tells a warm and moving story between a girl and her grandfather in the 1970s. Before the film's triumph in Macao, it won the Audience Choice Award at the Pusan International Film Festival in October 2009.

Back in Beijing, Jiang thanked her husband, cinematographer and director Gu Changwei, for not having interfered in her directing.

She recalled that Gu turned down her offer as cinematographer for the film, saying that if he were involved in the project, the film would not have turned out to be completely her style. However, when he visited the set on the first day of shooting, he could not help but give some suggestions.

"I had to remind him that this was my film and of our deal beforehand," Jiang laughed. She said that without depending on Gu and his advice, it was easier for her to find out where her strengths and potentials lay.

After her directing experience, Jiang said that she really admired those who can direct while acting. "To me, directing and acting are two completely different areas. As an actress, I am emotional, while as a director, I have to be very rational and clear about everything going on within the crew," she said.

San is set to screen in April.

(Global Times January 5, 2010)