Young filmmakers take the stage

A new generation of Chinese filmmakers dares to dream big — mixing genre, gender, and grit to carve out space in a competitive industry.

At the project pitch event, held from April 19 to 20 as part of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's Next Frame Space unit, young directors rapidly flipped through PowerPoint slides on stage, delivering well-rehearsed presentations. Their goal: to capture the attention of judges and investors in the audience and to win support — whether in the form of funding, collaborators, or production resources.

The event offers emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their talent. As a major highlight of this year's festival, it serves as a hub for learning and professional growth, featuring project pitching sessions, producer salons, and post-production training to support participants in a well-rounded way.

Zhang Youhao, a 30-year-old actor, is one of the initiative's two spokespersons. He brought his starring film Good Job! to the festival — a project created by a young team that reflects the vibrant spirit of the next generation of filmmakers.