Jiang Wen, Joan Chen Lead Star-Studded Jury for Beijing Film Festival, Competition Titles Unveiled

At the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, it has been announced that renowned Chinese director and actor, Jiang Wen, will lead the Tiantian competition jury. Notably, acclaimed Chinese-American actress and filmmaker, Joan Chen, will also be a part of this esteemed panel.

A diverse team of seven jurors from around the world, comprising renowned film personalities such as British director David Yates, Chinese actress Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and Hong Kong art director Tim Yip, are assembled for this international jury.

Hungarian auteur Béla Tarr will lead the jury for the festival’s Forward Future strand.

The selection of contending films for the award boasts a wide array, with “Better Me, Better You” by Hao Ming and Li Peiran, “Deep in the Mountains” by Li Yongyi, and “Trapped” by Zhang Qi – all from China – being part of it. Additionally, we have “Apollon by Day Athena by Night” directed by Emine Yildirim (Turkey), “Baus: The Ship’s Voyage Continues” by Sora Hokimoto (Japan), “Frieda’s Case” by Maria Brendle (Switzerland), “In My Parents’ House” by Tim Ellrich (Germany), and “Loveable” by Lilja Ingolfsdottir (Norway).

The lineup of films competing for the award is diverse, with entries such as “Better Me, Better You” by Hao Ming and Li Peiran, “Deep in the Mountains” by Li Yongyi, and “Trapped” by Zhang Qi from China; “Apollon by Day Athena by Night” directed by Emine Yildirim (Turkey); “Baus: The Ship’s Voyage Continues” by Sora Hokimoto (Japan); “Frieda’s Case” by Maria Brendle (Switzerland); “In My Parents’ House” by Tim Ellrich (Germany); and “Loveable” by Lilja Ingolfsdottir (Norway).

Among the competition titles, we find works such as “Nawi: Dear Future Me” by Tobias Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget (Kenya-Germany), “Shepherds” directed by Sophie Deraspe (Canada-France), “The Great Ambition” by Andrea Segre (Italy-Belgium-Bulgaria), “The Message” by Ivan Fund (Argentina-Spain-Uruguay), “The Summer Book” by Charlie McDowell (Finland-U.K.-U.S.), “Vitrival – The Most Beautiful Village in the World” by Noëlle Bastin and Baptiste Bogaert (Belgium), and “Vortex” by Hadi Mohaghegh (Iran-Czech Republic).

The Tiantan Awards feature a total of ten honors, which encompass categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Outstanding Artistic Contribution, Top Actor, Top Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Exceptional Screenplay, Superior Cinematography, and Excellent Music.

103 countries and territories submitted a total of 1,794 entries for the awards, with almost 90% coming from international film productions.

The festival takes place April 18-26.

2025-03-28 20:47

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