The Forward Future Section at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival
The much-anticipated Beijing International Film Festival is set to present its 15th edition from April 18 to 26, showcasing an impressive lineup in its Forward Future section. This initiative, established in 2014, aims to spotlight emerging talent by featuring the first or second works of directors, thereby fostering innovation in the global film landscape.
Celebrating New Talent with a Distinguished Jury
Esteemed Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr, known for his influential works such as Damnation and Satan’s Tango, will preside over the jury for the Forward Future program. Joining him are a diverse group of industry professionals, including Chinese actress Jin Chen, actor Song Yang, Japanese director Sabu, and Swiss filmmaker Cyril Schäublin. Together, they will evaluate the creativity and originality of the films presented.
A Showcase of Groundbreaking Filmmaking
The Forward Future section promises to embody an “innovative” spirit while bringing attention to the unique perspectives and artistic concerns of emerging filmmakers worldwide. Among the highlighted films are impressive works by first-time directors from China, including The Botanist by Jing Yi, which premiered recently at the Berlin Film Festival, and Floating Clouds Obscure the Sun by Tao Shen. Austrian director Bernhard Wenger’s Peacock will also be featured in this exciting selection.
Main Competition and Tiantan Award Jurors
Also part of the festival is the distinguished main competition jury, led by Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen, known for notable films such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Let the Bullets Fly. This year’s jury includes reputable figures like Chinese American director Joan Chen, British filmmaker David Yates, and several other international talents.
Forward Future Lineup
Here is the complete list of films to be showcased in the Forward Future program at the Beijing International Film Festival:
- Nobody Wants to Shoot a Woman (Director: Kerry Ann Enright)
- My Eternal Summer (Director: Sylvia Le Fanu)
- At the Bench (Director: Yoshiyuki Okuyama)
- The Lonely Musketeer (Director: Nicolai Schumann)
- Espina (Director: Daniel Poler)
- Peacock (Director: Bernhard Wenger)
- The Poet (Director: Felix Umarov)
- Sugar Island (Director: Johanné Gómez Terrero)
- Our Lovely Pig Slaughter (Director: Adam Martinec)
- In the Name of Blood (Director: Akaki Popkhadze)
- Mongrels (Director: Jerome Yoo)
- Nyamula (Director: Oskar Weimar)
- It Is Only Sound That Remains (Director: Ali Farahmand)
- Floating Clouds Obscure the Sun (Director: Tao Shen)
- The Botanist (Director: Yi Jing)
As the excitement builds for the 15th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival, attendees can look forward to a vibrant celebration of innovation and creativity in global cinema.