RF Fresh Blood Short Film Program
Chen Jianbin Named Jury President for 15th BJIFF ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program
The 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) is proud to announce Chen Jianbin - acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter in the Chinese film and television industry - as Jury President of its ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program. Chen Jianbin, a versatile artist with outstanding achievements in film, television, and theater, will undoubtedly increase the film festival's expectations and highlights.
A graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, Chen Jianbin has been committed to the pursuit of performing arts since a young age. On screen, he has brought to life a gallery of distinct, unforgettable characters, captivating audiences with his acting skills and his character adaptability. From an actor to a screenwriter to a director, Chen Jianbin has always maintained his pursuit and love for art. This love has helped him become a well-known film and television representative.
Chen Jianbin's works never lack character development. He vividly portrays ordinary citizens as well as imperial rulers. From Emperor Yongzheng Yinzhen in Empresses in the Palace to the down-and-out Ma Xianyong in A Cool Fish, to A Fool, which won the Golden Rooster Awards for Best Directorial Debut, and The Eleventh Chapter, which won the BJIFF Tiantan Award for Best Screenplay, each work demonstrates his profound understanding of life, characters, and works.
Posters of The Eleventh Chapter
He once said in an interview: “I don't need to approach ordinary people or experience life. I'm already living it every day. I've never floated above the clouds or seen myself as some grand figure. I'm just an ordinary person. Why make a special effort to understand them? There is no need; I understand them as naturally as I understand myself.”
Still from A Fool
We can see differences in the world precisely because there are many ordinary people like him, and they can provide more inspiration for creation.
Work Photo of The Eleventh Chapter
The ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program is guided by BJIFF and initiated by BOSS Zhipin. As one of the important ways to bring “fresh blood” to the film and television industry, it is dedicated to bringing a variety of professional talents to the film and television industry, giving more people the opportunity to be seen. This ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program focuses on “The Right People in the Right Industries” and “Seeing Ordinary People Living Seriously”, which highlight ordinary people who work hard in the city. We not only hope that film and television practitioners will be inspired by them and find suitable positions, but we also hope that the audience will see the value of choices in life through these works. Because only by recognizing your strengths will you be able to make your life easier.
“Not everyone can be a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.”
The participation of Chen Jianbin, Jury President of this year's ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program, adds a distinct humanistic dimension to the program. Chen Jianbin hopes that this event will inspire and support young people:
“With over 20 years in film, I too started as a young graduate, step by step finding my way today. When I was young, I was fortunate to meet many seniors who were willing to mentor and support me unconditionally. They helped me become the Chen Jianbin you see today. So, from the bottom of my heart, I have always appreciated and recognized their approach. So I also hope to offer today's young directors or film and television practitioners whatever support I can. Because the future of the film industry needs fresh blood; it's how our industry grows brighter.”
“Meeting young directors today takes me back to my student days, when we wore multiple hats: director-editor, prop-cameraman, actor-screenwriter... That chaos was actually the fastest way to learn and grow. I did the same when I was in school and when I first started working. From time to time, I would go to other positions to ask questions from seniors, brick by brick building this 'all-rounder' persona you see now.”
“I can give young directors some tips. For example, if you don't have good inspiration or ideas in the early stages, you might as well look at the ordinary people and roles around you or the environment you are used to. There's gold in familiarity; it also offers a sense of security, and dramatically raises your odds of actually finishing the work.”
The original goal of establishing the ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program was to provide the film and television industry with a diverse range of film and television talents, who will become the industry's backbone in the future. This year, led by Jury President Chen Jianbin, the program is expected to produce outstanding results for every filmmaker and ordinary individual striving to make a difference in their lives.