Leadership and Jury Composition at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival
Chinese actor and director Jiang Wen, known for his work in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Let the Bullets Fly, will lead the main competition jury at the upcoming 15th Beijing International Film Festival. This prestigious event will award the Tiantan Award, recognizing excellence in global cinema.
Distinguished Jury Members
The jury is composed of a prominent lineup that includes:
- Joan Chen (USA) – Director and actress recognized for The Last Emperor
- David Yates (UK) – Renowned director of the Fantastic Beasts series
- Ni Ni (China) – Notable Chinese film and television actress
- Teemu Nikki (Finland) – Acclaimed Finnish director
- Vincent Perez (Switzerland) – Multi-talented Swiss director and actor
- Tim Yip (Hong Kong) – Celebrated art director with a significant impact on visual storytelling
This esteemed panel will evaluate films across ten categories, including best feature film, best director, and best screenplay.
A Record Number of Submissions
The festival has announced a list of fifteen films selected for the main competition, following a record-breaking 1,794 submissions from 103 countries and regions, showcasing a significant increase of 19% from the previous year.
Among the selected films from China are:
- Better Me, Better You by Hao Ming and Li Peiran
- Deep in the Mountains by Li Yongyi
- Trapped by Zhang Qi
International entries include diverse titles such as:
- Apollon by Day Athena by Night (Turkey) – Emine Yildirim
- BAUS: The Ship’s Voyage Continues (Japan) – Sora Hokimoto
- Frieda’s Case (Switzerland) – Maria Brendle
- In My Parents’ House (Germany) – Tim Ellrich
- Loveable (Norway) – Lilja Ingolfsdottir
- Nawi: Dear Future Me (Kenya/Germany) – Multiple directors
- Shepherds (Canada/France) – Sophie Deraspe
- The Great Ambition (Italy/Belgium/Bulgaria) – Andrea Segre
- The Message (Argentina/Spain/Uruguay) – Ivan Fund
- The Summer Book (Finland/United Kingdom/United States) – Charlie McDowell
- Vitrival – The Most Beautiful Village in the World (Belgium) – Noëlle Bastin and Baptiste Bogaert
- Vortex (Iran/Czech Republic) – Hadi Mohaghegh
Focus on New Filmmakers
This year, Béla Tarr, the acclaimed Hungarian director, screenwriter, and producer, will preside over the international jury for the Forward Future Section. Launched in 2014, this segment of the festival is dedicated to promoting emerging filmmakers, particularly focusing on their first or second feature films.
The Legacy of Béla Tarr
Tarr is celebrated for his distinctive style characterized by long, uninterrupted shots, which have garnered a dedicated following globally. His notable works, such as Satan’s Tango, challenge conventional cinematic practices and stand in contrast to mainstream Hollywood productions.
Despite announcing his retirement from feature film direction after The Turin Horse in 2011, Tarr continues to influence the film community, having initiated a film school in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 2013.
“From being hailed as the ‘ultimate auteur’ to ‘the last modernist,’ Béla Tarr has carved out a unique place in world cinema with his minimalist aesthetics, profound philosophical depth, and signature long-take cinematography.”
The Beijing festival highlighted his contributions to both Hungarian and international cinema, emphasizing his role as a crucial figure in the movement known as the “Hungarian New Filmic Wave.”
Switzerland: Country of Honor
This year, the Beijing International Film Festival will honor Switzerland, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with China, alongside a special Swiss Film Week showcasing the country’s filmmaking achievements.
Event Details
The 15th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival will take place from April 18 to 26, presenting an exciting opportunity for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.