Italian
A cinematic journey in the heart of Tibet
The FIRST International Film Festival, held annually on the majestic plains of Tibet, has carved a niche for itself as a discovery festival, often likened to the Chinese equivalent of Sundance. This year, however, the festival faced a surprising twist.
A bold statement from the jury
Renowned Chinese filmmaker Guan Hu, known for his works like “Mister Six” and “Black Dog,” served as the head of the main competition jury. On Sunday, he made a striking decision by refusing to announce a best film winner. “It is not that we didn’t see any good films, but the selection overall was not bold enough,” Guan declared from the stage. He further suggested that despite the festival being 18 years old, it still has room to mature and grow.
Celebrating innovation and creativity
Despite the absence of a best film award, the jury recognized several other outstanding works. “Sailing Song of June” received the Grand Jury prize, while “Chengzi 1” was honored with the Spirit of Innovation award. These accolades highlight the festival’s commitment to celebrating creativity and pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.
A platform for international success
In recent years, FIRST has been instrumental in introducing Chinese films that have achieved significant international acclaim. Notable examples include “Drifting” by Jun Li and “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” by Gu Xiaogang. The festival has also been a launchpad for filmmakers like Wen Muye, Zhang Dalei, and the late Hu Bo, whose works have resonated globally.
The market section: A breeding ground for new projects
The festival’s market section, First Mart, plays a crucial role in shaping new cinematic projects. One such project is “To Kill a Mongolian Horse”, a Malaysia-Hong Kong-U.S.-South Korea-Japan co-production directed by Jiang Xiaoxuan. This film is set to premiere at the Venice Days sidebar of the Venice festival next month, showcasing the international reach and influence of FIRST.
The unique charm of a remote location
Established in 2006 by Song Wen, FIRST initially had its base in Beijing before relocating to the Qinghai Plateau in 2011. The remote location offers a unique advantage: a captive audience of motivated filmmakers and delegates who are willing to make the journey. This year, attendees included industry professionals from Splendid Culture & Entertainment, Lian Rui Pictures, Mahua FunAge, Tingdong Film, and Happy Film Industry.
A diverse and dynamic program
From July 20-28, visitors enjoyed a rich selection of films by Chinese first, second, or third-time feature directors, feature documentaries, shorts, and a female-oriented First Frame sidebar. The festival also featured a mentoring event led by auteur Lou Ye, where short filmmakers had the opportunity to create new works during the week-long event.
Challenges and opportunities
While the remote location offers a unique charm, it also presents challenges. The smaller local base compared to metropolises like Beijing or Shanghai means a heavier reliance on commercial sponsorships rather than ticket sales. This year’s key backers included phone maker Vivo and fashion house Chanel.
A distinctive programming method
FIRST employs a unique programming method, assembling an ad hoc team each year from filmmakers, critics, industry professionals, and programmers from other festivals. This approach can lead to variable quality, contributing to the festival’s unpredictable lineup. However, for many, the chance to discover a hidden gem is precisely what makes FIRST so appealing.
2024 FIRST International Film Festival prizes
Feature films
- Best Film Prize: Not awarded
- Spirit of Freedom prize: “Chengzi 1,” dir. Fu Zongsheng
- Best screenplay: Zhang Yudi for “The Midsummer’s Tale”
- Best Artistic Originality: “The Small Village”
- Best Actor: Huang Jingyi in “Fish Bone”
- Grand Jury Prize: “Sailing Song of June”
- Special mention: “The Dreamer in the Jungle”
- Best director: Jiang Yuzhi for “Shards”
- Best Documentary: “Unstoppable”
Short films
- Best short animated film: “Candy,” dir. Ying Xun
- Best short film: “Extracurricular Activity”
- Special mention: “Baozhda: (ethnic group Kazakh story) dir. Keran Abukasimu
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, the FIRST International Film Festival offers a unique blend of discovery and innovation. The festival’s commitment to showcasing bold and creative works, despite the challenges, is truly inspiring. The remote location adds a sense of adventure and exclusivity, making it a must-visit for those passionate about cinema. The diverse program and the opportunity to discover new talents make FIRST a festival that continues to captivate and surprise.
For more information and to watch trailers of the mentioned films, visit the following links:
- Sailing Song of June
- Chengzi 1
- Drifting
- Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains
- To Kill a Mongolian Horse
The FIRST International Film Festival continues to be a beacon of creativity and innovation, offering a platform for new voices in cinema to shine.
