BUSAN, Oct 13 (AP) -- After working with veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki on the epic film "A Battle of Wits" in China, Hong Kong movie star Andy Lau says he wants to work with the South Korean actor again, this time in South Korea.

Lau and Ahn -- two major stars in their respective countries -- praised each other during a joint appearance at the 11th Pusan International Film Festival Friday, which is honoring Lau this year as Asian filmmaker of the year.

He was due to receive his award late Friday.

"This time (Ahn) went to China to make ("A Battle of Wits"). I hope I have the chance to make a movie with him in South Korea," Lau said, adding jokingly, "the salary is not an issue as long as it's not too low."

"A Battle of Wits," based on a Japanese comic book, is the story of a follower of ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi who tries to stay true to his anti-war teachings even as other followers stray from the thinker's beliefs.

Ahn said he liked Lau's performances in "House of Flying Daggers" and "Infernal Affairs," the latter being a crime thriller that has recently been remade in Hollywood by Martin Scorsese as "The Departed."

Lau said he watched Ahn's "Musa," about a Chinese princess who's rescued by Korean fighters, and was struck by the difference between Chinese and Korean approaches to martial arts films.

The movie also features Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.

Lau is being named Asian filmmaker of the year at Pusan for his work promoting new film talent in Asia.

He first worked with young directors when he set up TeamWork Motion Pictures in 1991, and then invested in "Made in Hong Kong" in 1997, an independent film by Hong Kong director Fruit Chan.

He later set up Focus Group, a group of companies involved in film, pop music and artist management. One of the companies, Focus Films, last year launched "Focus First Cuts," backing six projects by new directors from Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and Malaysia and arranging for their TV and video releases.

"Many people gave me opportunities. Now I want to give other people opportunities," Lau said Friday.

Lau noted, however, that TeamWork was a failure, losing at least 40 million Hong Kong dollars (US$5.1 million; €4.1 million) -- and that he had to be a prolific actor after that to pay off his debt.

"Now that I've more or less paid off my debt, I can choose projects," he said.