ReelFocus Project selects fresh blood for film industry's future

A short film section of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), held on April 19, hope to find new talent to contribute to the future development of the Chinese film industry.

Taiwan film producer Peggy Chiao (left), jury president for the ReelFocus Project section of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, speaks on stage as she presents an award to a young filmmaker at an award gala held in Beijing, April 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Renowned Taiwan film producer Peggy Chiao served as jury president for the ReelFocus Project section, a short film initiative started and sponsored by China’s leading online recruitment platform Boss Zhipin. This project aims to discover and support promising young filmmakers, rejuvenate the Chinese film industry and help Chinese and international students pursue careers as professional directors, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of talent within the Chinese film industry.

"When I serve as a jury member, I always look forward to discovering what kinds of films I will encounter, which films will surprise me and which talented young people will catch my eye. This anticipation is often my greatest reward," Chiao told China.org.cn. "Whether it's creativity with unique ideas, outstanding skills or insightful explorations in humanities or philosophy, all these aspects are valuable. Indeed, we saw a variety of excellent projects this year, so I am actually very satisfied."

This year's ReelFocus received a total of 2,764 submissions from nearly 100 countries and regions worldwide. After initial screenings, evaluations and project reviews, a total of 29 pitch entries and 21 competition entries passed the selection stage.

During the award gala on the evening of April 19, a total of 14 awards were handed out. Cai Kunyu's "Rest in Peace" won best film. Peng Tenglin received best director for "The Land of Nowhere," and Qian Ning's "Buddha's Betrayal" was recognized as the most promising short. In the documentary category, Prachee Bajania's "Umbro" won best documentary short, Zhu Yunyi was awarded best documentary director for "Of Dreams in the Dream of Another Mirror" and Huang Dou's "AI·Dad" was named the most promising documentary short.

"These films have truly broadened our horizons," Chiao said, noting that the films submitted to ReelFocus exhibit great diversity in expression and demonstrate the huge potential and imagination of young filmmakers. "We have faith in the young generation of creators who possess lively and playful imaginations. These represent the trends and the birth of a new generation, and we are very confident about their future development."

The producer also mentioned the recent success of Taiwan film "The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon" on Chinese mainland, showing cross-Straits communication and exchange can be enhanced through culture and art. She believes film is a powerful medium. "The Pig, the Snake, and the Pigeon," for instance, has piqued interest in Taiwan's eco-environment, culture and lifestyle, and has helped improve the feelings of kinship and enjoyment for Taiwan cinema. This positive shift underscores films' unique capacity for public communication and cultural influence, unmatched by other media, she added.

Young filmmakers, award winners and some jurors pose for a group photo on stage at the ReelFocus Project award gala held in Beijing, April 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

This year, ReelFocus also delved into the theme of employment for university graduates in the film industry, acknowledging that the industry offers many unglamorous yet essential roles beyond acting and directing, and making the field more accessible to those who dream of a career in film. 

"Film is beautiful and the work behind it is quite plain. We can embrace the plainness to appreciate the beauty," said Zhao Peng, chairman and CEO of Boss Zhipin, who knows deeply about the difficulties and challenges faced by young filmmakers and film students. Understanding that these emerging talents need external support and opportunities to showcase their work, he initiated and funded the ReelFocus Project in collaboration with the Beijing International Film Festival to help newcomers kickstart their careers through short films.