Beijing Youth Film Festival unveils initiative to empower young filmmakers

Organizers of the 6th Beijing Youth Film Festival announced the launch of eight major events for 2025 at a press conference in Beijing on July 24. The events aim to provide emerging filmmakers with professional growth opportunities while also contributing to Beijing's cultural vibrancy and enhancing its profile as a global cinematic hub.

Actor Huang Xiaoming receives a certificate for his appointment as the image ambassador for the 6th Beijing Youth Film Festival from Li Enjie, president of the Beijing Cultural Development Foundation, during a press event in Beijing, July 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Cultural Development Foundation]

The youth film festival, an official affiliate event of the Beijing International Film Festival, is organized by the Beijing Cultural Development Foundation and will establish a full-industry-chain platform spanning creative incubation, academic exchange and screening promotion.

Lyu Hui, vice president of the foundation, said this year's festival running from July to December arrives as Chinese cinema marks two historic moments — the 120th anniversary of Chinese film and a period of industry restructuring. The festival's eight major events include a launch ceremony, film submissions, opening gala, thematic events, screenings and promotions, extended activities, filmmaker training camp and awards ceremony.

He said the festival had launched a new talent initiative to identify cinematographers, sound engineers and production designers through guild recommendations, strengthening industry specialization and providing comprehensive support for emerging filmmakers. It will also hold a public welfare training camp using a "small crew + long-term shooting" approach, with veterans mentoring up-and-coming filmmakers in short film production.

Submissions for outstanding films are now open and will be accepted through Nov. 18. The festival will conclude in December with an awards ceremony. 

Lyu also expressed hopes of receiving entries related to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of victory in both historic conflicts.

The festival will officially open in September, followed by academic forums and thematic exchanges. Screenings will primarily be held on university campuses, with additional theater and open-air showings. The event will further collaborate with Beijing-based resources to promote the integration of culture, commerce and tourism.

Also at the press conference, renowned director Cao Baoping was announced as president of the awards jury. Acclaimed actor Huang Xiaoming was named as the festival's image ambassador, while rising actor Shang Yuxian was appointed promotional ambassador.

At the event, director Cao Baoping stated, "I will work with my fellow jurors to select the most meaningful and valuable works from all shortlisted films and provide all possible support and encouragement."

Huang Xiaoming shared his reflections on youth and creativity: "True performance means shedding pretenses, breaking boundaries and embracing imperfection. That raw sincerity with bravery — even with its clumsiness and recklessness — forms the foundation of youth creation. The Beijing Youth Film Festival guards this creative courage: the courage to capture overlooked corners and tender emotions, to pave one's cinematic path step by step, and to believe in the power of Chinese stories."

The annual Beijing Youth Film Festival was launched in 2014 and restructured in 2018 to merge with the Beijing International Film Festival. However, the festival was put on hold for several years due to the pandemic.

Organizers and ambassadors pose for a group photo at the press conference for the 6th Beijing Youth Film Festival in Beijing, July 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Cultural Development Foundation]

Reflecting on the festival's hiatus, Li Enjie, president of the Beijing Cultural Development Foundation, said: "Over the past few years, we've been delighted to see outstanding young directors, screenwriters and actors observe societal progress with fresh eyes, document our changing times, and convey warmth and empathy through film — demonstrating the cultural responsibility and creative vitality of China's younger generation."

"Supporting youth cinema has never been about simple charity or assistance. It's a strategic investment in our cultural future," he added. "Giving opportunities to young talent means enabling Chinese cinema's growth, and more importantly, creating space for cultural prosperity."