Beijing film fest unveils jury, film lineup and key highlights

Release time：2024-05-21 16:26:50 Source：Culture Connection news portal

The 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) is scheduled from April 18 to 26, with Serbian director Emir Kusturica chairing the international jury for the Tiantan Award, organizers announced in Beijing on Thursday.

Organizers introduce the highlights of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival at a press conference in Beijing, March 28, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]

From a record 1,509 submissions from 118 countries and regions, 15 feature films have been shortlisted for this year's Tiantan Award, the main competition category of the film festival. The selection includes 12 international films such as "A Real Job" (France) and "The City" (Israel), along with three Chinese entries: Long Fei's "Gold or Shit," Li Weiran's "I Love You, to the Moon and Back," and Zhang Guoli's "Strangers When We Meet," organizers said.

The seven-member jury, led by Kusturica, was announced at the press conference. It includes jurors such as Australian film sound designer David White, Chinese-American actor Kris Phillips, Austrian director Jessica Hausner, Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha, Chinese actress Ma Li, and Chinese actor Zhu Yilong. They will judge the 15 films across 10 categories, including the best film award, with winners to be revealed at the closing ceremony and awards gala.

Additional competition categories have been established to highlight and honor new directors and short films. According to organizers, 4,273 films of different genres and formats have applied for the film festival's various award competitions.

Huo Zhijing, director of the Beijing Municipal Film Administration and vice chairman and secretary-general of the BJIFF Organizing Committee, announced that Brazil will be the guest of honor at this year's festival. This special recognition marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil in 2024. The event will feature participation from Brazilian filmmakers and showcase a selection of Brazilian films in Beijing.

The poster for the 14th Beijing International Film Festival is revealed on March 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

During the festival, audiences will enjoy over 240 new and classic films spanning diverse themes from both domestic and international creators. Highlights include "Dr. Strangelove," "Blade Runner 2049," "Pulp Fiction," and "The Story of Qiu Ju," as well as 4K-restored masterpieces, IMAX documentaries, and extended reality (XR) films. These films will be showcased in approximately 750 screenings across 27 theaters and special venues in Beijing, as well as in neighboring Tianjin municipality and Hebei province. Additional events, such as forums, a film carnival, a film market, film pitches, masterclasses, a university student film festival, the first film music festival, and the first artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) unit, are also planned.

Organizers announced that over 200 filmmakers, industry insiders, and celebrities are expected to attend the festival. Launched in 2011 to promote global industry exchanges, the festival has quickly gained international prominence due to China's rapidly growing film market.

"We will persist in elevating the international profile, professionalism, and mass appeal of the Beijing International Film Festival. By actively exploring new opportunities and pathways, we're creating a new ecosystem and positioning Beijing as a cultural leader. We aim to present the development of Chinese civilization, promote cultural exchange, construct a broader stage, and contribute Beijing's strength to the high-quality development of Chinese cinema," said Yu Junsheng, president of Beijing Radio & Television Station and vice chairman and secretary-general of the BJIFF Organizing Committee.

The Tiantan Award jurors and shortlisted films: (pictures below)

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