Xining, China – In an unprecedented move at the FIRST International Film Festival, which has been celebrating rising cinematic talents since 2006, the top prize for Best Film was notably withheld this year. As the festival unfolded in Xining, situated on the scenic Tibetan Plateau, the jury, led by accomplished filmmaker Guan Hu, opted not to bestow the award, signifying a pivotal moment in the event’s history.
The jury’s decision reflects a broader commentary on the current landscape of film production. Guan Hu, known for his Cannes Un Certain Regard-winning film “Black Dog,” articulated the rationale behind this decision. He emphasized the festival’s commitment to recognizing groundbreaking works that mark a significant advancement in cinematic arts. However, this year, the jury felt the entries, though competent, did not achieve the level of innovation expected to merit the festival’s highest accolade.
Instead, the festival’s Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Sailing Song of June,” directed by Chen Yanbin. Set against the backdrop of a quaint town in Guizhou province, the film was praised for its incisive narrative and emotive power, resonating deeply with the audience and jury alike.
Other notable awards included the Best Documentary, which went to Meng Xiao for “I’m Gonna Find You.” The film’s gripping narrative evidently stood out, capturing the jury’s admiration for its storytelling prowess.
In the directing category, emerging filmmaker Baggio Jiang secured the Best Director award for his debut film “Shards.” The film draws inspiration from a familial gathering he attended in 2022, blending personal experience with broader socio-cultural themes. Jiang, who is currently studying Film and Psychology at Stanford University, is seen as a rising star in the cinematic world.
The acting category saw Huang Jingyi winning the Best Performance for her role in “Fishbone,” a compelling exploration of mother-daughter dynamics. The film had previously garnered attention as an outstanding work-in-progress at the 13th Beijing International Film Festival, highlighting its critical acclaim prior to its official release.
Screenwriters Huo Xueying and Zhang Yudi were honored with the Best Screenplay award for “The Midsummer’s Voice.” The film, which follows a young Peking Opera student grappling with the challenges of a changing voice amidst critical competitions, was lauded for its poignant script and authentic portrayal of artistic struggle.
Audience awards were given to Xu Huijing’s documentary “Unstoppable” and Jiang Yuzhi’s drama “Shards,” each in their respective categories. “Unstoppable,” which detailed three pivotal years in the career of Chinese mixed martial-arts star Zhang Weili, also triumphed in the festival’s First Frame competition, focusing on films by or about Chinese women.
This year’s festival not only highlighted the diverse and dynamic nature of Chinese cinema but also posed important questions about the standards and expectations of storytelling in contemporary film. The decision to withhold the Best Film award serves as a powerful reminder of the festival’s dedication to fostering a landscape where exceptional cinematic achievements are recognized and celebrated. As the film industry continues to evolve, such moves will undoubtedly prompt filmmakers to strive for creativity and innovation in their craft.