The light fantastic

According to Huang, the festival's mascot, the little flying tiger, was inspired by a small tiger with wings depicted in a Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) stone carving. With some modern elements added, it became the mascot that is still used today. "It represents the image of young Chinese university students," Huang adds.

The festival's logo features an eye, symbolizing the act of watching movies, surrounded by filmstrips, with the tiger at its center, which represents thriving and promising young Chinese university students.

"Reaching our 30th anniversary was not easy. We have overcome numerous difficulties and put in a lot of time, effort and material resources," Huang says.

"I look forward to seeing our university film festival continue to adhere to its mission, protect its brand, and constantly expand its influence. I sincerely hope and believe it is possible that the festival will increasingly play a unique and irreplaceable role in Chinese cinema," Huang says.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn