China’s FIRST International Film Festival, now in its 17th edition, has become renowned for showcasing emerging talent in the country’s film industry. The festival, held in the city of Xining, draws a predominantly young audience who eagerly participate in the screenings and engage in Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
This year, the festival screened 98 films over a span of nine days, including 27 features and 71 shorts. The lineup featured a diverse range of genres and themes, from a gritty three-hour drama about the struggles of a migrant woman in a big city to a six-minute animated short about a young boy made of paper who has nightmares about scissor men. The enthusiasm of the audience was evident as Q&A sessions often ran well into overtime.
The festival’s jury, led by renowned actress Joan Chen, recognized the talent and youthfulness of the filmmakers and awarded films such as “Fate of the Moonlight” and “Perfect City: The Bravest Kid” with Best Narrative Feature and Best Animated/Experimental Short Film, respectively. “Galaxy Writer,” a film that resonated with both the audience and judges, received the Grand Jury Prize.
With over 30,000 film enthusiasts in attendance, along with 500 media representatives and 600 industry professionals, this year’s festival was a resounding success. In addition to the film screenings, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the FIRST LAB filmmaker training program and the FIRST market, which fostered industry networking and collaboration.
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The festival also invited international filmmakers, including Anthony Chen from Singapore, cinematographer Christopher Doyle from Hong Kong, curator La Frances Hui from MOMA’s Department of Films, and Berlinale Shorts curator Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck. Their presence added global perspectives to the festival and enriched the experience for attendees.
Founder and head of the festival, Song Wen, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s ability to discover and nurture young storytellers. He emphasized the power of communication through movies and how they shape and influence our lives. He believes that by showcasing movies created by young people with wisdom and thought-provoking narratives, the festival contributes to the meaningfulness of watching movies.
The festival also highlighted the work of female directors and stories about women through its First Frame program and competition. The top award went to “This Woman,” a quasi-documentary that explores a married woman’s various affairs and her role as a wife, mother, and woman in contemporary China. The director aimed to blur the line between reality and fiction, leaving the audience questioning what was genuine.
In addition to showcasing emerging talent, the festival also paid homage to established filmmakers by featuring selections from China’s “Fifth Generation” of filmmakers. This included a rare public screening of the comedy “The Troubleshooters” from 1988 by Mi Jiashan and Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film “The Last Emperor” from 1987. These screenings allowed younger generations to experience classic films on the big screen.
The festival also brought some red-carpet glamour to Xining with the appearance of director Wuershan and the stars of his fantasy epic “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms,” which has become a domestic box office hit. This visually stunning film, based on the classic Chinese text Fengshenyanyi, has grossed over $156 million in just 11 days. The presence of stars and industry professionals at the special screening demonstrated the importance of this film for the future of Chinese blockbusters.
The festival’s emphasis on short films not only entertained audiences but also inspired aspiring filmmakers. The festival provided a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work and engage with fans at the various venues and events. The bars and nightclubs surrounding the festival’s outdoor screens in Xining’s entertainment and dining district became meeting points for young filmmakers and fans, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Throughout the festival, thought-provoking films like “Nest” and “Bitter Sweet Ballad” raised important social questions and shed light on the challenges faced by contemporary society. These films explored themes such as family dynamics and the struggles of migrant children, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the festival’s jury.
Jury head Joan Chen commended the festival for its diverse lineup, ranging from experimental works to more commercial films. She emphasized the authenticity of the films showcased and their ability to ask questions that have not been asked before. In a market where narrowness prevails, the FIRST International Film Festival stands out for its breadth of themes and styles.
As the festival came to a close, the winners of various categories were announced, including Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Grand Jury Prize, and Best Documentary. These awards recognized the exceptional talent and creativity showcased at the festival and rewarded the efforts of emerging filmmakers.
In its 17 years of existence, the FIRST International Film Festival has successfully provided a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent, encouraged dialogue and collaboration within the industry, and celebrated the rich diversity of Chinese cinema. The festival’s dedication to discovering and nurturing powerful storytellers ensures a promising future for the Chinese film industry. With each passing year, the festival continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its thought-provoking and innovative films.
