Shanghai Intl. Film Festival: Golden Goblet Awards include home & foreign indie productions

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The Golden Goblet Awards are arguably the highlight of the ongoing Shanghai International Film Festival. This year, three Chinese films are among the 15 vying for the top prizes. Shen Li reports.

The nominations included a dozen films from all around the world. Apart from the three Chinese films -- "The Return" directed by Qin Hailu; "Spring Tide" by Yang Lina; and "Vortex" by Jacky Gan. There are also entries from Japan, India and Brazil.

Among them is actor-turned-director Gael García Bernal's "Chicuarotes", which details the struggle two teenagers went through to escape oppression, but unexpectedly fell into the clandestine criminal world of Mexico City.

The film first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, but the director said he was keen to get the impressions of a Chinese audience.

GAEL GARCIA BERNAL DIRECTOR, CHICUAROTES "Very honored that my film got nominated at this year's Golden Goblet Award. It's a great platform to showcase films from all language communities. The film Chicuarotes is like a fable, no matter how you try to fight it, something is destined to happen. You can't escape from it."

The jury includes industry professionals from around the world. Among them is Nicolás Celis, producer of "Roma" which scooped the prestigious Golden Lion at the 75th Venice Film Festival.

The results will be announced during Saturday night's closing ceremony at the Shanghai Grand Theater.

Since it was establishing in 1993, the Shanghai International Film Festival has always provided a platform for global filmmakers, newcomers and audiences to experience Chinese and foreign film culture, it has now developed into an activity with wide international influence and reputation. Shen Li, CGTN, SH.