The 22nd Beijing College Student Film Festival has just kicked off. The opening ceremony on Saturday already saw almost two dozen awards handed out. (Photo/CNTV)
The 22nd Beijing College Student Film Festival has just kicked off. A total of 34 films will compete for the Jury awards. The opening ceremony on Saturday already saw almost two dozen awards handed out.
The Beijing College Student Film Festival is known for the originality of its films and it is one of the largest film festivals in China. The event will kick off with the film 'Murmur of the Hearts'.
The film tells the story of the extraordinary encounter of three young people. Directed by renowned director Sylvis Chang, it was screened right after the opening ceremony.
Twenty awards were handed out at the opening ceremony. The top ten young directors of the 21st century awards where given to popular comedy director Ning Hao, and to Diao Yinan the director of the thriller 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' the winner of the Golden bear award at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.
The Beijing College Student film festival aims to portray its uniqueness among films festivals with a special approach to film.
"Youthful energy, an academic approach and cultural awareness, these three things are special about a college film festival. In the past 22 years this film festival stands unique and greatly balances the film culture of today that is becoming increasingly commercialized," said Xing Zhou, Dean of School of Arts & Comm., Beijing Normal University.
The event also honors the top ten directorial debuts of the 21 century. The works include So Young by actress-turned-director Zhao Wei, and Ocean Heaven starring Jet Li.
"We hold fast to our principles and we are proud of what we are about. Our film market is not swayed by popular trends and the appetite of the market, not even the appetite for youth films. We focus on the rich meaning and content of the film," Xing Zhou said.
One audience said, "I'm a student at Beijing Normal University. This is my first time here. I like the unique perspective of the event, which is through the eyes of the youth. I'm also here because it is hosted by professor Yu Dan. She is so funny and witty."
Professor Yu Dan teaches media studies. She is famous for her lectures that give modern interpreations of Chinese classics. Her presence is one example of the unique resources available to the festival.
Another special highlight of the event is the the students' choice awards, which is largely determined by the votes of students online. The winner, among other awards will be unveiled on May 9th at the closing ceremony.
