Jia Zhangke, director. [Photo/China Daily]

In a warmup move, the guild announced an outstanding contribution award to centenarian Yan Jizhou, a prolific veteran director known for revolutionary and military classics, such as the 1963 hit Struggles in an Ancient City.

Jiang Ping, a veteran director and general manager of the China Film Co, says Yan influenced a generation of Chinese with his work.

Jia Zhangke, the jury's president, says that the Chinese film industry has been undergoing changes since last year.

Young talent feels confident about handling nostalgia-laced themes, while established directors are becoming more innovative.

Jia, also a veteran art-house director, says the guild now has more than 400 members, and the awards will encourage Chinese film talent to produce more quality films.

Zhang Dalei, director of The Summer Is Gone, says that the nominations encourage him to pursue the cinematic arts.

The 34-year-old uses amateur actors with careers similar to the ones their characters pursue in The Summer Is Gone, as he wanted to make the movie as realistic as possible.

The awards will be announced on April 22.

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