In Xining, China, the FIRST International Film Festival, renowned as a hub for avant-garde independent cinema, concluded its ninth day with an unexpected twist that left attendees in a mix of surprise and approval. This year, the jury decided not to award the Best Feature Film, citing a landscape of diversity but no singularly outstanding work to merit the festival’s highest honor.
The festival, which took place from July 20-28, often sets the stage for groundbreaking films and this decision underscored its commitment to excellence, setting high standards for future contenders. Instead of a winner for Best Feature Film, the focus shifted to other awards which highlighted exceptional talent across a range of categories.
Amid the backdrop of this unique ending, the Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Sailing Song of June” by Chen Yanbin. Set in the culturally rich southwestern Chinese province of Guizhou, the film weaves local myths with the stark realities of life shadowed by crime, delivering a narrative potent with desire and power. The festival jury praised the film for its strong creative spirit and bold execution, deeming it a representative of the vibrant potential in new filmmakers.
Meanwhile, Baggio Jiang clinched the Best Director award for his debut feature “Shards.” Currently a student of Film and Psychology at Stanford University, Jiang drew inspiration for his film from the intricate Chinese porcelain repair technique, which metaphorically parallels family dynamics in his narrative of a post-pandemic reunion dinner unraveling.
Another standout was the documentary “Unstoppable,” which won the First Frame competition dedicated to films by or about Chinese women. The documentary, directed by Xu Huijing, offers an intimate three-year glimpse into the life of mixed martial-arts champion Zhang Weili, portraying her both as a competitive athlete and a resilient individual.
The festival’s decision not to award a Best Feature Film was met with mixed reactions, sparking conversations on the evolving standards and expectations of cinema. Jury members expressed hope that the hiatus will inspire filmmakers to explore innovative and audacious storytelling in the future.
The conclusion of the festival, held annually in Qinghai’s Grand Theater and known for introducing the latest trends in Chinese cinema, reemphasizes the role of film festivals in shaping cinematic discourse and pushing the envelope of creative expression. Each award and unawarded category sends a distinct message about the festival’s values and its vision for the trajectory of film as a medium for cultural reflection and societal impact.
In addition to its other competitions, the festival also saw a diverse array of talents receiving accolades for artistic originality, screenplay, and short films, showcasing a rich tapestry of storytelling prowess and artistic ingenuity that promises to keep the spirit of independent cinema alive and thriving in China.