After in-depth exchanges on 44 projects for 17 hours within two days, the second-round interview finally concluded on April 1 and 2, and selected 21 roadshow projects and projects shortlisted for negotiation. Different from previous years, in the second-round interview this year, project owners didn't overrun too much time for personal statements, but the jury members were very concerned, giving practical and feasible marketable suggestions in a sincere, frank and fair way, and optimizing every project to help them go further.

The second-round jury for Project Pitches is composed of three senior filmmakers, namely Wei Xiaolei, Qin Haiyan and Xu Lei.

When selecting the second-round jury, we invited professionals with three different identities -- producer, screenwriter and director -- to act as the jury members. With rich experience in the industry, professional review perspectives and keen market insight, they have comprehensively and deeply evaluated every entry.

　　

　　

　　Second-round jury for Project Pitches

Prior to the second-round interview, the jury members had already carefully reviewed the complete scripts and trailers of all projects. Therefore, for project owners selected in the second round, the key job was not just to present the content of scripts, but to demonstrate their storytelling ability. For instance, during the review of a children's film, the jury members thought it was normal and a little plain on initial reading, but when the director sitting in front of them vividly expounded his/her creative ideas and the story behind it, their interest was instantly ignited. How to tell a story intriguingly and deeply present the core of the story is also a major ability that must be practiced and mastered by young filmmakers.

　　Second-round interview of Project Pitches

The projects shortlisted for the second-round review were diverse in style and genre, and some excellent works were highly praised by the three jury members. For a dark suspense film set in an old industrial city of north China, two jury members both gave “very mature, very calm” comments, but suggested it had better “leave more room for the characters”. Another suspense film inspired by haunted houses also gained recognition, and the three jury members added the screenwriter’s WeChat ID on site and gave sincere advice, in hope of facilitating the implementation of this project. 

　　Second-round interview of Project Pitches

During the second-round selection this time, young filmmakers have fully shown their enthusiasm, persistence and perseverance as the new generation of filmmakers. The cast & crew of some projects didn't get paid for their creation and acting, and many projects even lacked funds. However, they remained true to their original aspiration, came to the BJIFF with appeals, and looked for further possibilities. 

“I wish to find a like-minded screenwriter at the BJIFF, and together turn this story into a theatrical film.” “I wish to receive the financial support, and let this project meet the audience as soon as possible.” Finding suitable investors and teachers who really appreciate them is the heartfelt wish and expectation of numerous filmmakers.

　　Second-round interview of Project Pitches

Over the years, the BJIFF has been dedicated to supporting and assisting excellent film projects, and providing valuable resources and opportunities for young filmmakers and helping them realize dreams by inviting professional jury members, establishing a whole-process young filmmaker support system, and introducing the Beijing Culture Guiding Fund. Just as a project owner said, “The BJIFF is the first stop for us to participate in project pitching, and also the starting point of our success.” Here, they have not only found their own stage, but also found their own future.

　　Second-round interview of Project Pitches

After the two-day interview concluded, 20 script projects were finally shortlisted for negotiation. Among them, the top ten script projects were shortlisted for the final-round roadshow and obtained the final review qualification, while six WIP projects, two sports projects and three projects from the Hong Kong, China Subsection will also participate in the final review and negotiation. All shortlisted projects will attend the final-round roadshow on April 19 and 20. In the end, the final-round jury members will decide on eight awards, namely “Jury Special Recommendation Award”, “Best Original Script Award”, “Project with Greatest Commercial Potential”, “Project with Greatest Development Potential”, “Most Investment Value Project Award”, “Production Team with Greatest Innovation Award”, “Most Marketable Focus Award”, and “Beijing International Sports Film Week · Sports Film Project Support Fund”. The projects shortlisted for the roadshow and negotiation will conduct face-to-face talks with senior guests and investors in the industry on April 21.

The following is the list of projects shortlisted in the final round of Project Pitches of the 14th BJIFF Beijing Film Market:

In spring when everything comes back to life, our movie journey is also filled with hope. The BJIFF is waiting for young filmmakers, together bringing endless possibilities to the big screen. The BJIFF Project Pitches will support every movie dream, and look forward to every cinematic story.