The Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) is aboutin full swing for its eighth edition, bringing an eclectic mix of films, both homegrown and international. This year's line-up is packed with captivating titles in its signature Crouching Tigers and Hidden Dragons sections, not to mention the opening film A River Without Tears, which is already stirring up plenty of buzz.
A Star-Studded Opening and Iconic Screenings
Headlining the festival is A River Without Tears, the second feature from female director Liu Juan. This emotional and intense drama tells the story of a father’s unwavering quest to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s suicide. It's not just another indie flick either—this film is executive produced by none other than Chinese auteur and Pingyao festival founder, Jia Zhangke. This gripping story is also featured in the Hidden Dragons section, a showcase for emerging Chinese filmmakers. There, A River Without Tears will compete alongside 11 other noteworthy films, each vying for attention on the international stage.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The festival will also feature a special treat for cinephiles—a newly restored version of Chen Kaige’s Yellow Earth. This film is not only a classic but a cornerstone of China's Fifth Generation filmmaking movement. Yellow Earth is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and what better way to mark the occasion than by presenting this masterpiece, which earned a Silver Leopard at Locarno and snagged best cinematography for Zhang Yimou at the Nantes Three Continents Film Festival. With such a rich history, the screening promises to be a highlight for anyone attending.
Hidden Dragons: Showcasing New Voices
The Hidden Dragons section is where emerging Chinese talent takes center stage. These films range from documentaries to deeply personal narratives, each with its unique flavor. Among the standouts is Ma Lanhua's debut film Hello, Spring, an Asian premiere, and Wang Lina’s Village Music, a world premiere that explores the rich cultural landscape of rural China. Another film to watch out for is Chinatown Cha-Cha, a documentary debut from Luka Yuanyuan Yang that offers a fresh take on Chinese culture abroad.
In total, there are 12 films in this category, with many making their world premieres, which is an exciting prospect for anyone looking to get a first look at what could become the next big thing in Chinese cinema. From the haunting Floating Clouds Obscure The Sun to the more introspective Betwixt and Between, these films represent a new wave of Chinese filmmakers who are ready to make their mark on the global scene.
Crouching Tigers: A Global Stage
The Crouching Tigers competition, which focuses on emerging international filmmakers, is equally impressive. This year’s lineup features a number of films that have already gained traction at various international festivals. For instance, Universal Language by Matthew Rankin, which is Canada's submission for the Best International Feature category of the Oscars, will make its Asian premiere here. Alongside it, we have The Girl With The Needle by Magnus Von Horn, Sujo by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, and Neo Sora's Happyend, all making their China or Asian premieres.
One of the more intriguing films is Good One, a debut feature by India Donaldson, which will make its China premiere at Pingyao. This film, along with others like Savanna And The Mountain from Portugal and Uruguay, highlights the festival’s commitment to bringing diverse voices from across the globe to its audience.
Gala Screenings: A Celebration of Cinema
Seven films are set for Gala screenings this year, and they’re not to be missed. This includes Patricia Mazuy’s Visiting Hours, a chilling narrative that has been turning heads, and Roberto Minervini's The Damned, which delves into the lives of marginalized communities. Then there's Hiroshi Okuyama’s My Sunshine, a film that captures the essence of fleeting youth, and Hong Kong filmmaker Yon Fan's Crossing Years, which promises to be both nostalgic and poignant.
These Gala screenings are often the most high-profile events at the festival, drawing in big crowds and a lot of media attention. If you're lucky enough to snag a ticket, you’ll be in for a real treat.
Honoring the Classics
If you’re a fan of film history, Pingyao’s Retrospective section, titled “Earth,” is a treasure trove of restored classics. In addition to Yellow Earth, the section will feature restored versions of Auguste Francois' Images De Chine, Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali, and Gaston Melies' The Ruins Of Angkor. This curated selection of films offers a chance to revisit some of the most important works in world cinema, each one meticulously restored to its former glory.
This retrospective is more than just a nod to the past; it's a reminder of the rich history and transformative power of cinema. For anyone passionate about the art form, this section of the festival is a must-see.
A New Time Slot and a Fresh Start
This year, the Pingyao International Film Festival is shaking things up with a new time slot. Traditionally held in October, the festival has shifted to a new date, running just ahead of the Busan International Film Festival. This move is seen as strategic, allowing Pingyao to carve out its own niche in the increasingly crowded fall festival calendar.
The festival’s leadership has also seen some changes. Marco Mueller, who co-founded the event with Jia Zhangke, stepped down last year. He has since taken on the role of artistic director at the Taormina Film Festival in Sicily. Stepping into his shoes at Pingyao is Lin Xudong, the newly appointed artistic director, who now oversees a programming team that includes Naoki Kamiya and Junko Fukatsu for foreign-language films, Wu Jueren for Chinese language films, and Song Jia for shorts. The fresh team is expected to bring new energy and ideas to the festival, ensuring that it remains a must-attend event for cinephiles around the world.
Wings International Film Fund: Nurturing Global Talent
In addition to its packed lineup of films, Pingyao is also making waves with the launch of a new initiative: the Wings International Film Fund. This fund is designed to support five non-Chinese film projects each year, offering financial backing and resources to emerging filmmakers from around the globe. It’s a bold move that underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering new talent and ensuring that fresh voices in cinema are given the platform they deserve.
Final Thoughts
As the Pingyao International Film Festival gears up for its eighth edition, it’s clear that this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever. With a diverse array of films in both the Hidden Dragons and Crouching Tigers sections, not to mention the prestigious Gala screenings and retrospectives, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cinema, international indie films, or classic movies restored to their original glory, Pingyao has it all.
This year’s festival is not just about watching films; it’s about discovering new voices, celebrating timeless classics, and supporting the future of global cinema. So if you’re a film lover, Pingyao is the place to be.
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