Call for Entries Announcement: BJIFF Online Film Section
Amidst the transformative wave of digital technology and new media development, online films are emerging as a force that transcends the traditional boundaries of film and television with their unique industrial vitality. With their diverse narrative techniques, flexible dissemination models and precise user reach, online films have built a new interactive bridge between creators and audiences, injecting surging momentum into film art innovation.
In this context, the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) has established the Online Film Section to serve as a globally influential hub for the online film and television industries. Guided by the core principle of "balancing artistic merit with industrial value", this section is organized by Hemei (Beijing) Cultural Media Co., Ltd. It seeks to establish a full industry chain exchange platform, with a focus on unearthing high-quality works that capture the spirit of the times through unique perspectives and push the boundaries of expression with innovative technologies, providing them a platform to showcase their brilliance.
Through the continuous development of this international exchange platform, we aim to achieve three key value breakthroughs: Firstly, to promote the quantum leap of online films from commercial traffic-driven models to artistic excellence, positioning them as a critical medium for spreading China's outstanding culture. Secondly, to build a full-chain service system that covers creation, investment, and distribution to help high-quality content achieve breakthroughs in global markets. Lastly, to foster a deep integration of film and television with the cultural tourism industries, create new immersive and interactive cultural experience scenes, and form a comprehensive industrial chain covering content creation, tourism services, technological innovation and other aspects. Let us join hands to witness online films radiate even brighter artistic brilliance in the era of digital civilization.

I. Submission Period
From now until April 15, 2025
II. Submission Scope
Online film works completed after April 2024 by film and television production companies, studios, and independent filmmakers worldwide are eligible for submission. For unreleased films, they should meet all eligibility requirements stated above and be fully completed (post-production finalized) and ready for immediate online release. Meanwhile, the films should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, possess a unique value in artistic expression, and show depth and innovation in plot construction, audio-visual language use, and so on. They should also show commercial viability, with qualities that attract audiences and gain market recognition, representing the cutting-edge creative standards of the current online film industry.
For released films, in addition to meeting the above-mentioned requirements of professional standards, artistic value and commercial viability, they should have obtained an Online Drama Distribution License to ensure legal distribution. After being released on online platforms, the films should have substantial market feedback data to support their quality, such as high viewership, positive audience reception, and favorable industry reviews. These metrics should demonstrate their competitiveness among released works and their ability to reflect the cutting-edge creative standards of the online film industry.
III. Submission Requirements
1. Film Duration: 60-120 minutes
2. Theme Requirements: Themes are open, but submissions are encouraged to adopt diverse perspectives, creating works that combine artistic merit with intellectual depth, promote positive narratives and reflect the spirit of the times. The content should avoid elements that are vulgar, violent, bloody, or in violation of laws, regulations, social order, and good customs.
3. Video Format: The film must be in DCP or MP4 format, with a minimum resolution of 1080P. Ensure visual clarity, clear audio, and absence of issues such as stuttering or screen tearing.
4. Films must have been completed after April 2024, including those already released and those that have obtained an Online Drama Distribution License or Film Public Screening Permit but have not yet been released.
IV. Application and Submission
1. Submission Process: Send the film file and related attachments (such as technical specifications, posters, stills, etc.) to the official email address, bjiff_netmovie@163.com. Complete the submission form with the film's information (such as the film title, director, main cast, synopsis, creative background, etc.). Ensure all information is accurate before submitting the application.
2. Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025. Submissions will be processed based on the timestamp displayed on the application platform. Late submissions will not be accepted.
五、评选设置
In the BJIFF Online Film Section, each award category will select one final winner from four nominated films or creators. This initiative aims to recognize outstanding achievements in various aspects of online film production.
1. Best Film of the Year: The script should be innovative and unique, with a well-crafted plot structure and multidimensional character development. The emotional expression should be genuine and moving. The director must demonstrate precise control over the film's pacing, proficient use of lens language, and a smooth and compelling narrative. Performances should be natural and vivid, with actors providing in-depth and accurate portrayals of their characters that resonate strongly with the audience. The visual composition should be aesthetically pleasing, with excellent use of lighting and shadow. The editing should be tight and seamless, with natural transitions. Sound effects and music should complement the storyline and enhance the atmosphere. Visual effects (if any) should align with the film's style and elevate its overall impact. The film should explore profound themes with high artistic value and social significance, gaining widespread attention and a good reputation in online dissemination.
2. Best Director of the Year: Demonstrates exceptional overall control, excelling in narrative pacing, camera choreography, and actor guidance. Brings the script to life on screen through a distinct directorial style and innovative approach, imprinting the film with a unique personal signature. Plays a key role in improving the artistic quality of the film.
3. Best Screenplay of the Year: The screenplay should feature a compelling story, dramatic plot twists, complex yet believable character relationships, and meaningful and unique dialogue. It should not only be entertaining but also convey profound ideas and humanistic values, showcasing high literary quality and innovation.
4. Best Actor of the Year: The actor should demonstrate a precise understanding and interpretation of the character, showcasing the character's personality traits, emotional evolution, and growth with nuanced performance. The portrayal should be natural, authentic, and emotionally resonant, immersing the audience in the character's story and standing out among other male performances.
5. Best Actress of the Year: The actress should deliver a nuanced and subtle performance, bringing the character to life with vividness and emotiona depth. Her portrayal should express emotions with delicacy and layered complexity, showcasing exceptional acting skills that leave a lasting impression on the audience, whether in moments of emotional intensity or restrained subtlety.
6. Best Cinematography of the Year: The cinematography should have a strong visual appeal, featuring unique compositions and skillful use of lighting and shadow. The lens language should be used to effectively create an atmosphere and emotional tone that corresponds to the storyline. Additionally, it should demonstrate high professional standards in color usage, camera movement, and other aspects, enhancing the overall quality of the visual presentation.
7. Best Editing of the Year: The editing should exhibit precise control over pacing, ensuring a smooth narrative flow and clear logic through well-structured shot transitions. Creative editing techniques, such as transitions and flashbacks, should be skillfully used to enhance the film's rhythm and visual appeal, which play an important role in improving the overall quality of the film.
8. Best Sound Effects of the Year: The sound effects design should be rich and diverse, with environmental sound effects, character sound effects and music sound effects working in harmony to enhance the film's realism and immersive quality. The sound effects production should be of high quality, with clear spatial and layered soundscapes that play a crucial role in amplifying the narrative and emotional expression.
9. Best Visual Effects of the Year: The visual effects should be meticulously crafted and seamlessly integrated into the film's style and storyline. Whether it is the grandeur and awe-inspiring nature of the special effects scenes or the realistic presentation of details, they should all demonstrate exceptional technical skill and artistic creativity, delivering a powerful visual impact to the audience.
10. Special Mention Film of the Year: This category recognizes a film that excels in various aspects such as script innovation, directorial skill, acting, cinematography, editing, sound effects, and visual effects, demonstrating high artistic standards and viewing value. The film has received positive feedback in online dissemination, and while it may not reach the pinnacle of the above-mentioned individual award categories, it is regarded as outstanding in overall quality.
VI. Event Benefits
1. Film Screenings: The selected works will be screened during the BJIFF Online Film Section. Through a combination of online and offline platforms, the films will be presented to global film fans and industry professionals, enhancing their exposure and influence.
2. Industry Collaboration: Excellent creators will have the opportunity to have in-depth exchanges with internationally renowned directors, producers, and senior executives from film and television companies. They will gain access to industrial resource collaboration opportunities such as project collaborations, investment and contracts, distribution partnerships, and promotional support, which will help them commercialize their works and advance their careers. Excellent creators have more opportunities to gain priority access to high-quality industry resources.
3. Creation Support: Creators of selected outstanding works will receive benefits such as professional training courses, funding support, technical equipment support, and so on to help them improve their creation capabilities and the quality of their future works.
VII. Special Notes
1. Copyright Ownership: The copyright of submitted works belongs to the creators. However, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to use clips from the works during BJIFF and related activities (including but not limited to screenings, publicity, promotion, etc.). Proper copyright attribution will be provided when the works are used.
2. Originality of the Works: Submitted works must be original and must not have won major awards at other similar film festivals. The works must not involve any acts of infringement such as plagiarism, theft, and so on. If the works are found to involve infringement issues, the Organizing Committee will disqualify the entry and hold the responsible parties legally accountable in accordance with the law.
3. Liability: Participants must ensure that the submitted works and related information are true, accurate, and complete. Any legal disputes arising from errors, falsehoods, or other issues related to the content or information of the works shall be solely borne by the participants.
VIII. Contact Information
1. Tel: 010-82101770 (9:00-18:00 on weekdays)
2. Email: bjiff_netmovie@163.com
3. Address: Room 417, Building 2, China Agricultural Film and Television Center, No. 10, Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing
4. Official Platforms: For more submission guidelines and event information, visit the BJIFF's official website, WeChat Official Account Platform, Weibo, and other platforms.
We look forward to the enthusiastic participation of global filmmakers in submitting outstanding works to jointly celebrate the BJIFF Online Film Section and inject new vitality into the development of the online film industry!