Director Alan Zhang was pleasantly surprised by the success of her first film, “This Woman,” at the 17th edition of the FIRST International Film Festival in China. Despite her initial doubts about finding an audience, the film received an overwhelming response from viewers. The audience remained engaged even after the screening, asking numerous questions to the filmmaker, who goes by the name Alan.
To Alan’s astonishment, “This Woman” was announced as the winner of FIFF’s First Frame award, the top prize in a program dedicated to independent films by Chinese women or about Chinese women. Alan expressed her hope that the film’s story would not end here and acknowledged the rarity of a program like First Frame, which provides a platform specifically for women filmmakers.
“This Woman” is a low-budget documentary-style film that emerged from a discussion during the pandemic between Alan and her friend, actress Li Hehe. They discussed the portrayal of the challenges faced by modern Chinese women on screen, which inspired the film’s storyline. The film follows Beibei, portrayed by Li, as she navigates a failing marriage and seeks passion through various affairs. The film combines documentary elements with a pseudo-documentary approach, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
The First Frame program, which focuses on women in independent cinema, successfully completed its second run as the festival came to a close on August 1. The judging panel, led by Chinese feminist and cultural critic Dai Jinhua, along with stars Ning Chang and Zhang Zifeng, were impressed by the quality and diversity of the six features showcased in the main competition.
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Additionally, the three-hour drama “Fate of the Moonlight” received a special mention. Directed by Qin Tian, the film tells the story of a single migrant worker mother who moves to a big city in hopes of benefiting from China’s economic growth.
The significance of the First Frame program within the Chinese cinema community and beyond has garnered attention. French luxury brand Chanel has supported the program, emphasizing its commitment to encouraging and empowering women in the arts. This partnership has resulted in a significant increase in the number of female filmmakers submitting their work to the festival.
Director Su Qiqi, whose debut film “Talks Overnight” was also in competition, praises FIFF for its unique role in Chinese cinema. Su believes that the festival inspires young people to engage in filmmaking and offers a platform for small, personal films like hers to reach a wider audience.
For first-time director Li Jue, whose film “Yangzi’s Confusion” explores the impact of divorce on a mother and daughter, screening at FIFF provided an opportunity to discover the stories that other Chinese women filmmakers are telling. Li values the chance to compare her film with others and gain recognition in the industry through the festival.
In conclusion, the success of “This Woman” at the FIRST International Film Festival and the recognition of other independent films by Chinese women or about Chinese women in the First Frame program highlight the growing influence and significance of women filmmakers in China. The festival not only showcases their talent but also provides a platform for emerging voices and diverse storytelling. With the support of partners like Chanel, FIFF continues to encourage and empower women in the arts, leading to an increase in female participation and representation in the Chinese film industry.
