Since 1997, the Chinese Mainland Film Panorama has spanned 29 years, capturing the pulse of changing times while witnessing generations of filmmakers take root and flourish.
Every great film begins with a spark of imagination. This year, under the theme “The Journey from Shorts to Features”, we spotlight Mainland filmmakers and their creative paths, with a special section tracing their journey from early short experiments to feature films.
Opening film Nobody is an extension of the hit short of the same title from the Yao-Chinese Folktales. It follows a group of nameless little monsters on a humorous yet touching adventure that reflects the struggles and resilience of ordinary workers. Chongqing Hot Pot captures the essence of a confined-space setting that originated as a university assignment, while black comedy My Dear Liar reflects director Shen Ao’s experience gained through short film making. The Midsummer’s Voice, expanded from a 15-minute short about a young Peking Opera performer’s changing voice, explores adolescence, identity and uncertainty about the future.
Escape from the 21st Century continues director Li Yang’s visually dynamic style through a game-like summer adventure. Set in Lhasa, Linka Linka offers a young perspective on memory and growing up. Internationally acclaimed Laughing to Die, developed from a short film of the same name, confronts rural ageing and traditional filial piety.
A Long Shot returns to a factory community in the 1980s, following a retired sharpshooter caught in a changing era. Expanded from a 28-minute short, Like Winds, Like Weeds portrays a middle-aged woman searching for freedom away from home. The highly acclaimed Chinese animated feature The Legend of Hei II builds on its popular predecessor with its signature fresh, soothing visuals and dry humour, sending its characters on a new adventure filled with uncertainty and danger.
Originally a graduation short film from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Into the Mortal World was developed by over 2,000 animators into a visually striking feature inspired by the tale of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Hi, Mom evolved from an acclaimed comedy sketch into a heartfelt feature and box-office phenomenon.
Through this film festival, we hope to showcase the creative voices of Chinese Mainland filmmakers to Hong Kong audiences, while creating a platform for filmmakers from both sides to connect, exchange ideas and inspire one another.
Every great film begins with a spark of imagination. This year, under the theme “The Journey from Shorts to Features”, we spotlight Mainland filmmakers and their creative paths, with a special section tracing their journey from early short experiments to feature films.
Opening film Nobody is an extension of the hit short of the same title from the Yao-Chinese Folktales. It follows a group of nameless little monsters on a humorous yet touching adventure that reflects the struggles and resilience of ordinary workers. Chongqing Hot Pot captures the essence of a confined-space setting that originated as a university assignment, while black comedy My Dear Liar reflects director Shen Ao’s experience gained through short film making. The Midsummer’s Voice, expanded from a 15-minute short about a young Peking Opera performer’s changing voice, explores adolescence, identity and uncertainty about the future.
Escape from the 21st Century continues director Li Yang’s visually dynamic style through a game-like summer adventure. Set in Lhasa, Linka Linka offers a young perspective on memory and growing up. Internationally acclaimed Laughing to Die, developed from a short film of the same name, confronts rural ageing and traditional filial piety.
A Long Shot returns to a factory community in the 1980s, following a retired sharpshooter caught in a changing era. Expanded from a 28-minute short, Like Winds, Like Weeds portrays a middle-aged woman searching for freedom away from home. The highly acclaimed Chinese animated feature The Legend of Hei II builds on its popular predecessor with its signature fresh, soothing visuals and dry humour, sending its characters on a new adventure filled with uncertainty and danger.
Originally a graduation short film from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Into the Mortal World was developed by over 2,000 animators into a visually striking feature inspired by the tale of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Hi, Mom evolved from an acclaimed comedy sketch into a heartfelt feature and box-office phenomenon.
Through this film festival, we hope to showcase the creative voices of Chinese Mainland filmmakers to Hong Kong audiences, while creating a platform for filmmakers from both sides to connect, exchange ideas and inspire one another.