A journey in filmmaking can start with a micro-short step

When ethnic Naxi filmmaker Yang Chengcheng attended the first Asia Microfilm Art Festival in Lincang, Yunnan province, in 2013, the crowds and the limelight left him feeling a bit shy.

Then still a fresh graduate from Southwest Minzu University, Yang was invited to attend following his acting debut, A Major Served Villages, a 28-minute movie that won the Excellent Work Award in the Golden Begonia Awards, one of the highest honors given by the annual event.

A decade on, Yang, who spent his childhood in Lincang, recently returned to the festival as an established filmmaker to share his experience with young aspirants who are pursuing their cinematic dreams. He was also invited to present the Golden Begonia Awards to winners in three categories, including Best Music, at the closing ceremony.