Cui Jian’s 'Blue Sky Bones' makes China debut at Beijing film fest

Cui Jian's directorial debut "Blue Sky Bones", which garnered international recognition in Rome previously, opened at a special screening sector at the 4th Beijing International Film Festival.

At this year's Beijing International Film Festival, new filmmakers make their debut at a special screening sector "Focus on the Future". Amongst the nearly 300 film screenings, films from ten new directors stand out. The event opened with the movie "Blue Sky Bones" directed by China's legendary Rock star, Cui Jian.

China's Godfather of Rock has two new titles: award-winning film director and screenwriter.

His first foray into film, "Blue Sky Bones", which garnered international recognition in Rome previously, opened at a special screening sector at the 4th Beijing International Film Festival.

The film chronicles life during the 10 years of the Cultural Revolution. It is told from the point of view of a former young rocker in his later years about crimes committed during the time of turmoil.

"We paid special attention to movies before we started make rock music," Cui said. "I remember when we were little, we took notes for those movies we watched, so I think making movie and studying film are not something that's impossible to reach. I think the young filmmakers can find inspiration through my movie."

The movie "Blue Sky Bones" has made quite a splash in China, Cui's fans here have given it high reviews.

"The picture is very beautiful, and because Cui Jian himself is a singer, so music in the movie is very powerful," one said.

Foreign movie promoters say the event not only provides Chinese new filmmakers with a platform, it also allows international filmmakers to network and explore potential opportunities for future cooperation.

In attendence at movie screenings was also senior Chinese director Xie Fei, who shared his experiences with students from the Beijing Film Academy.

Xie Fei says that in recent years the development of digital cinema has reduced the cost of film production. With wider participation of Chinese filmmakers at international film festivals globally, he hopes this event can inspire a young generation of filmmakers to chase their dreams.