China's first "Blue Planet" science fiction and film summit forum was held on Sunday, as part of the 14th China Changchun Film Festival, under the theme "crossing, connecting, creating." The eight-day film festival opened in Changchun, northeastern Jilin Province, on Saturday.
Speakers at the summit mostly focused on the status of Chinese science fiction films, and their contribution to the genre.
Zhou Xing, a professor at Beijing Normal University and founder of the Beijing College Student Film Festival, said sci-fi movies are based on science and technology, human imagination and the appreciation of beauty.
He pointed out that science fiction plays an essential role in going beyond reality and human thinking.
A study of famous sci-fi literature by British researchers found that about 70 percent of ideas have now become a reality.
Sci-fi writer Jiang Bo speaks at the forum. /CCTV Photo
Shen Jiangying, director and vice president of Xinhuanet, said the combination of science fiction and movies has created a wonderful virtual world, which connects the microcosm and space universe with all living things.
The sci-fi world, full of magical imagination and scientific principles, is presented to viewers through high-tech channels and artistic expressions, bringing fresh and interesting experiences, and deepening people's thinking about the future.
Zhang Shuangnan, researcher at the Institute of High Energy Physics and director of the Key Laboratory of Particle Astrophysics speaks during the forum. /CCTV Photo
Shen expressed belief that scientific and technological achievements and advancements contribute greatly to sci-fi movies. Art and technology are the two essential elements of the film industry, he said noting that modern technologies, such as emerging cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 3D, and 4K resolution help the movie industry evolve.
He also said Chinese science fiction movies should follow the path of high-tech independent innovation. He suggested filmmakers enrich production methods, comprehensively enhance the scientific and technological content of their films, and improve audiences' viewing experiences.
Fifteen films out of 156 entries are up for the best film award, the Golden Deer. The results will be announced at the closing ceremony on September 8.
(Diao Mengna also contributed to this article)
(Cover: China's first "Blue Planet" science fiction and film summit forum was held in Changchun City, Jilin Province on September 2, 2018. /CCTV Photo)