Beijing College Student Film Festival kicks off

"So Young", the first film directed by renowned Chinese actress Zhao Wei.

"No Man's Land" by young Chinese director Ning Hao

The 21st Beijing College Student Film Festival has just kicked off on Tuesday. A total of 34 films will compete for the Jury Award.

The contenders have been chosen from more than 200 participating films. They include "No Man's Land" by young Chinese director Ning Hao, "Police Story 2013" starring Jackie Chan, and "So Young", the first film directed by renowned Chinese actress Zhao Wei.

The event also awards Feng Xiaogang, Zhang Yimou, Ning Hao, Huang Jianxin and Xie Fei as the top five directors in the last twenty-five years of Chinese film.

"By paying tribute to the achievements of the past, we remind ourselves of what stands the test of time and becomes classic. I think this is beneficial for young directors." said Zhou Xing, Operations Deputy, Beijing College Student Film Festival.

The jury line-up consists of 30 college students from across the country and ten young film reviewers. During the 33-day festival, there will be other events, including a competition for original films by college students, a hosting contest, a film review contest, films on demand and a script contest.

"I think the event exposes us to works that are not usually on our radar, like outstanding short films. I think it really broadens our horizons." said student filmmaker.

The film festival is organized by Beijing Normal University and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio, Film and Television. It is one of the most prestigious film festivals in China, and aims to find more budding film talents.