Film directors share visions for the future at symposium

The 15th Cross-Strait and Hong Kong Film Directors' Symposium concluded earlier this month in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, releasing a shared vision to enhance cooperation and exchanges among filmmakers from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao.

More than 200 directors attended the two-day event on Jan 11 and 12, discussing topics such as sustaining creativity in a rapidly changing world and reimagining cinema amid new technological advances.

Organized by the China Film Directors' Guild, this edition marked the event's return after an eight-year hiatus since the 14th symposium in Dali, Yunnan province, in 2017.

Jia Zhangke, president of the China Film Directors' Guild, emphasized the significance of resuming the symposium, noting that filmmakers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and in Hong Kong have always maintained close ties. "We remain connected at heart and hand, moving forward side by side," he added.

Despite challenges facing the film industry — from the rise of streaming platforms to the wave of artificial intelligence sweeping the globe — Jia said that the shared commitment among directors strengthens their confidence in facing the unknown challenges ahead.

Soi Cheang Pou-soi, president of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, described the symposium as a good opportunity for directors to sit down and discuss issues often faced in filmmaking. "Regardless of the outcome, we believe that only by staying true to the essence of cinema can we find new directions for the art of filmmaking," Cheang said.

Launched in January 1992, the symposium has become an essential platform for directors to exchange creative ideas and engage in artistic discussions about Chinese-language cinema.