The charm of films is based on reality, but beyond reality.
Since the announcement of film solicitation on February 17, the RealFocus Program has received works directed by students from nearly 100 universities and colleges around the globe.
Among these submissions, we can see novel attitudes that the new generation of student filmmakers present with lens. “Bold” and “clean” are two keywords for new filmmakers this year. Directors are fresh and bold in the selection of subjects as they have not yet been restricted by rules, displaying the most innocent softness and sincere emotions in films. Through the review after heated discussions and prudent voting by judges, the official selection of this year's ReelFocus Program includes 11 narrative short films and seven documentary short films in the Competition section, as well as 12 narrative short films and seven documentary short films in the Pitching section.
The complete official selection of the 2nd ReelFocus Program is announced as follows:
竞赛单元入围名单
Official selection for the Pitching section
With the release of the official selection, the final-round jury lineup of the 2nd ReelFocus Program was also officially announced: Pema Tseden, famous film director and screenwriter, serves as Jury President; Hou Yong, Sam Quah, Li Meng and Wang Chuanjun serve as members of the Jury; Zhou Bing, Xu Tong and Gu Tao act as judges for documentaries; Wang Xiaoqiang, Ye Ning and Zhou Ziyang act as judges for the Pitching section. The Jury will deeply get involved in films directed by students from the perspective of front-line practitioners in the film industry, expecting them to bring more diversified collision of viewpoints and more wonderful exchanges on thinking.
Jury lineup
Besides, special advisors Huang Dan and Meng Zhong, Yao Haijun and Xi Xia, promoters of the Special Science Fiction section, and planning director San Mu will together provide guidance for this year’s ReelFocus Program.
Guest lineup
From April 20 to 27, the 2nd ReelFocus Program Week will be officially launched, and guests for the New Blood Ceremony get ready. Dong Chengpeng, co-initiator of the 2nd ReelFocus Program, calls on the industry to help every new director and young filmmaker with dreams; award presenters Zhou Dongyu and Wang Zhi will cheer for the event and help new filmmakers realize their film dreams; ambassador Lai Kuan-lin encourages new directors to insist on creation and bravely express themselves; Gordon Chan, producer of 13th BJIFF TALENTS, and actor Man Cheuk Chiu will be present at the event and provide valuable opportunities for outstanding new filmmakers.
Guest lineup
The ReelFocus Program will continuously pay attention to outstanding young student creators, helping them grow into professional directors. Congratulations to all finalists. Brave new directors, forge ahead and together pursue film dreams. See you at the New Blood Ceremony on April 27!
