French director Luc Besson said in Beijing on Wednesday his pledge to direct no more than 10 films is just an excuse to refuse Hollywood invitations.

"In the last 15 years I have received a lot of proposals from Hollywood, and you have to find a good reason to say no, because some are worth a lot of money.So I limit myself to saying 'OK, I want 10 bullets!'" Besson said while promoting his book series "Arthur" and movie "Angel-A".

"The reputation of an entire life is more important for me than short-term profit. I want every movie I direct to be an elaborate one. The biggest wealth of a person is his thoughts and sentiment, not his deposit in banks," said Besson, who is president of the jury at the ongoing Shanghai International Film Festival.

"I always try to choose a film with my heart. It's very important for me at the end of the day to watch my 10 films - my 10 babies - and be proud of them. Now why not make the 11th one? I don't know."

Besson said in 2005 that he would only direct 10 films because that would be "enough". "Someone else can do a better job with my scripts," he explained at the time.

A movie based on the first installment of his book series "Arthur" is the tenth directed by Besson, who debuted as a film director with "Le Dernier Combat" in 1983.

Some of his most famous films are "Le Grand Bleu" ("The Big Blue"), "Subway", "Nikita", "Leon" and "The Fifth Element."

Besson placed much emphasis on making films for one's own country.

Asked whether he would like to shoot films in China or cooperate with the Chinese artists, Besson said, "I think it is very important that the national cinema exists in each country. If a film can travel around the world it is great and wonderful, but don't forget who you are and this is the representation of who you are."

As an increasing number of Hollywood companies seek cooperation with China to reduce costs, add exotic appeal and win over audiences in the country, more Chinese directors and actors are also trying to carve a niche in Hollywood.

"I suggest young Chinese film-makers shoot films in their own country. Don't dream about Hollywood. Nobody can make better films about China than the Chinese... You have to fight for your national cinema," he said.

He suggest the Chinese filmmakers make full use of the long history and rich cultural heritage of China, including architecture, costumes and even cuisine and seek to export more films.

"When they go to Hollywood they lose a little of their soul, which I don't like," he said.

"Since I'm producing 10 to 12 films per year, sometimes from Denmark, Italy, Norway, Mexico... I don't think I've anything to do with Hollywood." he said despite admitting he respected Hollywood and had many friends there.

"People may guess once a movie gets a good box office, it's a Hollywood one. In fact, a movie made by a non-American can earn a lot money too. 'The Fifth Element,' which was invested and produced by French people and shot in England, ranked the 25th in the American box office but the third globally. It's obvious the aesthetic system of the American audience has a difference with other places."

Source: Xinhua