On April 15 to 22, 2026, the Forward Future, hosted by Beijing Film Academy, will be unveiled at the 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF).

Founded at the 4th BJIFF, the Forward Future is for the purposes of “discovering the new filmmakers around the globe in China’s view and encouraging originals on the new wave of films in the world”. The section strives to highlight the cultural connotations of films in various forms and boost the exchange and communication among young filmmakers all over the world. All the first or second feature films are welcomed regardless of genre, type or style.

For Forward Future, five world-renowned filmmakers are invited as an international jury, with Feng Xiaogang, a Chinese director, screenwriter and actor as the president, Anthony LaMolinara, an American director, screenwriter, animator and visual effects artist, Iván Fund, an Argentine director, screenwriter and producer, Wei Xiang, a Chinese actor and Chang Chia-lu, a Chinese screenwriter and producer (Taiwan) as members. Chinese actress Li Xueqin will serve as the Youth Promoter for this section. From the 14 selected films, the international jury will award seven honors, namely “Best Film”, “Best Director”, “Best Screenplay”, “Best Actress”, “Best Actor”, “Best Artistic Contribution” and “Jury Special Mention”.

Every great cinematic journey begins with a first frame: every legendary master in film history was once a first-time director—moving from telling their own stories to reflecting the vast world, and from their first feature-length film to the mastery of a matured style. Growth itself is the most compelling narrative for any filmmaker, and now, five world-renowned filmmakers join the Forward Future to turn their gaze toward those who are just beginning their journeys, providing a stage for emerging talents and paving the way for bold, innovative works so that the masters of tomorrow may begin their journey right here.