Co-operation and young filmmakers' future in hot discussion at the film festival

Crowds of people gather to see their favorite stars arriving at the opening ceremony of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival on April 13, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]

The annual Beijing International Film Festival brings together top executives, creative teams and professional filmmakers from the world's entertainment powerhouses to discuss the trends of global filmmaking.

Two hot topics of their discussions involve the cooperation between Chinese and American film industries and the future of the young-generation of filmmakers.

CRI's Xu Fei takes a closer look.

It has been over a century since China made its first film, a recording of Peking Opera, 'The Battle of Dingjunshan' in 1905. Today, the growth in China's film industry has become phenomenal, outperforming China's traditional industries.

American film director Rob Minkoff shared his feelings.

"You know, we've seen the Chinese box office grow so staggeringly over the last ten years. And I think that, you know-all filmmakers from around the world; they are obviously very interested in telling stories that would appeal to the Chinese audience."

Last year, China's movie box office revenue grew to 9-billion US dollars. Experts say the rising Chinese film market has altered the trend of the dominant style of American cinema.

Brian Connors is a renowned American actor-director.

"Show business, I'm sure, I know, the United States is very competitive, and I'm sure it is in China too. So there's always a competition. That's not bad. Competition can be good and it can lead to better and better work. And you know, the cream will rise to the top."

James Su, chairman of the Chinese-American Film Festival, says benefits may come from greater cooperation between the two sides.

"It's neither a race nor a competition. Hollywood might be attracted by China's 5,000-year old civilization and the abundant stories that come from its large population. And China should learn about the regulated structure that Hollywood uses to manage film projects. When both sides cooperate well and can blend with each other, they will present higher quality films to audiences worldwide."

Another hot topic under discussion is about the opportunities facing the young filmmakers today.

Industry professionals agree that young filmmakers, particularly the post 80s and 90s-generation, are presented with wider choices in terms of a free-of-charge training and available jobs.

Janet Wu Yanyan is director of China Film Foundation - WuTianming Film Fund for Young Talents.

"Screenwriters used to gain hardly nay free training. But today, we organized several charity projects inviting top veteran writers around the globe to provide them with training. Many young screenwriters say they start to use what they've learnt in their writing practices. My organization will usually train 200 young screenwriters each year."

A forum was held among film industry professionals and young directors in Beijing on Thursday, April 19, 2019, discussing the future for young filmmakers, alongside the ongoing Beijing International Film Festival. [Photo: China Plus]

Janet Wu joined a festival forum in which the future of young Chinese filmmakers was being discussed. During that event, the trailers of a number of short films were screened.

The short films, each of which is about 20 minutes or so, are produced by young Chinese filmmakers who still study in colleges.

Wu says the best films will be selected to show alongside the Cannes film festival in France next month. She adds that this may offer young Chinese filmmakers another opportunity to open their eyes wider.

Brian Connors also cites his ongoing film project as an example.

"In my film, which I directed, Senior Entourage, not only do I have five older stars with great credits, but I have a lot of young people too. So it's a mixture, a multi-culture mix of ages, and races and languages and I think the world is moving to that. I think that's a good way to go. I think if we make films together, people will understand each other better. And, yes, I think that's the way of the future."

The film festival will conclude on Saturday evening.

French actress, director, and screenwriter Sophie Marceau poses in Huairou District where the 9th Beijing International Film Festival opened on April 13, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]