The 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival (BCSFF), as a part of the ongoing Beijing International Film Festival, opened on Saturday in the Chinese capital with a grand opening ceremony.
During the ceremony, 34 outstanding domestic films were unveiled after being selected from a pool of over 200 submissions. The announcement of eight "Youth Honors" for outstanding domestic films will take place on May 4, China's Youth Day, at an award ceremony dubbed "Youth Night", an annual highlight of the BCSFF that invites movie fans and college students nationwide to witness the birth of the honors.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable film professionals such as Huang Huilin and Tao Yuling, alongside over 300 young students.
This year's theme is "Light Gives Birth to All, Films Depicts New Chapters", expressing a sincere hope for young filmmakers in their career development.
"Everything grows under the sun. I believe that the light radiating from films nurtures the young people, generation after generation. We expect them to create something new, especially to share more stories of our news life through films," said Xiao Xiangrong, executive deputy director of the festival's organizing committee.
Additionally, the digital 3D image of the mascot, Little Flying Tiger, was unveiled at the ceremony.
Huang Huilin, BCSFF's founder, said that the mascot has witnessed the growth of young filmmakers over the past years.
"There was no mascot in the first edition of the festival. By the fourth edition, our then-festival secretary Zhang Tongdao sought to find one. He discovered a little flying tiger in a stone portrait from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) more than 2,000 years old ago. This lively depiction, with two little wings, resonates with our college students who are full of vitality and energy, so we modified the Han Dynasty portrait into the festival's mascot," Huang recalled.
The event concluded with a screening of the film "The Beginning", a creation depicting the youthful journey of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong (1893-1976).
This year's festival, which will conclude on May 4, will also feature various activities, including academic and cultural forums and a special program marking the 40th anniversary of China's Teachers' Day, which falls on Sept 10.
31st College Student Film Festival opens in Beijing
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
