The 10th Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) opened in the ancient town of Pingyao in north China's Shanxi Province on Thursday, bringing filmmakers and movie lovers together for its milestone 10th edition.
Themed "Keep Walking," this year's festival showcases the latest films of up-and-coming directors from around the world, many of which will have their Asian or Chinese mainland premieres at the week-long event.
"All of the films selected for the main section of the film festival are being screened on the Chinese mainland for the first time, and more than 75 percent of them will have their Asian premieres," said Jia Zhangke, founder of the film festival and a renowned Chinese director.
A total of 50 films from nearly 40 countries and regions, including France, the United States, and Mexico, are scheduled to be screened during the event. They cover a wide range of themes from realistic storytelling to rural transformation and social and cultural issues, showcasing a rich variety of styles.
Among them, several Chinese films, including "A Girl Unknown," "Light Pillar," and "Zoom In, Zoom Out," have previously been screened at international film festivals such as Cannes and Berlin, where they have garnered international awards and recognition, showcasing the keen observational perspectives and mature narrative skills of the new generation of Chinese-language directors.
"I hope to discover great films, and I look forward to connecting with others who share my passion for cinema. I'm really looking forward to watching unique films and being moved the different stories they tell," said movie enthusiast Qi Tianyi.
In addition to film screenings, the festival features forums, masterclasses, concerts, and other events. It also recommends 10 literary works to the film industry, while simultaneously identifying emerging talent and establishing a platform for the next generation of creators to exchange ideas.
By providing awards and industry networking opportunities to outstanding new directors, the event aims to continuously infuse the global film industry with the creative energy of young talent.
"We have a comprehensive training system in place to foster the growth of Chinese film talent. They come to Pingyao to exchange ideas, watch films, participate in masterclasses, and learn. Over the past decade, many directors who started out in Pingyao have gone on to make feature films that have been very well received by audiences," said Jia.
10th Pingyao Int'l Film Festival opens in north China city
