With its distinctive scenery and rich cultural mix of 26 ethnic groups, southwest China's Yunan province, has long been a place for artists to seek inspiration. Filmmakers are no exception. As China's film industry celebrates its 100th anniversary, Yunnan is taking a look back at its contribution during that time.
The film week was launched at Yunan's Honghe prefecture on the weekend. More than 30 celebrated directors, veteran actors and rising stars walked the hundred-meter flower road, accompanied by festive ethnic dancers. The one-hundred meters symbolizes the centennial of the Chinese film industry, as well the anticipation of what lies ahead in the next century.
Veteran artists such as Tian Hua, Qin Yi and Xie Jin, who has witnessed and contributed to the early development of Chinese film industry were on hand at the opening ceremony. They shared their stories from the industry and expressed their passion for the art.
The night also took a retrospective look at China's film development, with a focus on Yunnan-themed productions. China's film industry has had a splendid history. Productions focused on Yunnan are an essential part of ethnic films. The first film based on an ethnic group was produced here. More recently, several influential productions have been made here, such as the countryside romance When Ruoma Was Seventeen, the realistic and slightly satirical A Good Couple of Sheep, and the award-winning Huayao Bride in Shangrila, starring rising star Zhang Jingchu.
The opening ceremony also saw the foundation of the Yunnan Film Artists Association and the Honghe Film and TV production base.
A series of academic seminars on the development of the Chinese film industry will also be held, as well as the screening of several local and co-operative productions. Organizers say the event is only a beginning. They hope that by taking advantage of its natural and human resources, the tourist paradise of Yunnan can also become a paradise for filmmakers.
(CCTV October 11, 2005)
