Glamorous live performances and the screening of a new movie kicked off the 14th Changchun Film Festival on Saturday. Held every two years in the capital of northeast China’s Jilin Province, this is the country’s first film festival named after a city. This year, the event highlights the power of youth in the film industry.

Gao Hui, chief director of the opening ceremony said the event coordinators have invited students at film academies to pay their respects to senior film artist Tian Hua at this year’s opening ceremony. They intend to show how generations of film producers have helped China’s film industry grow, as well as the new strengths, missions and responsibilities.

This year’s "Golden Deer Awards" include six awards for young filmmakers, for best youth director, screenwriter, actor and actress or supporting actor and actress and first film. The judging panel of the “Golden Deer Awards” consists of six celebrities and industry professionals, with director Huo Jianqi being the jury chairman. Huo said he attaches great importance to and has high expectations of young talents and their works, which is significance in promoting the development of the Chinese film industry.

In addition to giving out awards, the festival has launched projects supporting newcomers.

The “Golden Deer Project” intends to provide 10 films of original screenplays, innovative attributes and artistic values with help from industry professionals and investors. Meanwhile, an exhibition of micro films displaying outstanding works produced by young film producers and college students aims to present high-quality productions and give further training to young potential artists.

Liu Yi, screenwriter of the box office smash "Wolf Warrior" - also one of the judges, said many opportunities are given to new filmmakers in the digital era as they can make short video clips or micro films. He suggested young film makers start from telling a simple story and writing a good script.

A range of seminars and forums will take place during the festival featuring topics on Chinese film, film aesthetics, games and anime. There are also music concerts and various meet-and-greets. 

And film screenings are not just in the city of Changchun. Cinefiles across five northeast Chinese cities can watch over 210 movies from China and abroad. Actress Kitty (Yuqi) Zhang said she didn’t have much of a chance to watch various films or enjoy the charm of film until she entered the profession. Zhang hoped what they are doing can develop young people’s interests in film and bring new blood to this industry.

Fifteen films out of 156 candidates are now up for the best film award, the Golden Deer. The result will be announced at the closing ceremony on September 8. The gala, featuring a red carpet with celebrity ambassadors like Jackie Chan, will carry forward the spirit of "Film Cradle of New China", and highlight new strengths of China’s film industry. 

(Cover: The 14th Changchun International Film Festival kicks off on September 1, 2018. /CGTN Photo)‍