Young filmmakers celebrated at movie festival

The 33rd College Student Film Festival's "Youth Night" gala, a key section of the Beijing International Film Festival, concluded on Sunday evening, bringing together filmmakers, scholars and students to celebrate the vitality of young people in Chinese cinema.

Co-hosted by Beijing Normal University, the CPC Beijing Dongcheng District Committee and the Dongcheng District People's Government, the ceremony was broadcast on Beijing TV and Tencent Video, with its red carpet streamed across multiple platforms. The event was attended by hundreds of industry representatives and university students from across the country.

Eight major honors, determined by student juries, were unveiled during the evening. Dead to Rights was named Most Popular Film of the Year, while director Yang Lina won Most Popular Director.

Actors Xiao Zhan and Ma Li received the awards for Most Popular Actor and Actress of the Year. Screenwriters Yu Shui and Liu Jia were recognized for Nobody. My Friend An Delie won Best Debut.

Founded in 1993, the College Student Film Festival has long positioned itself as a platform shaped by and for young audiences, guided by the principles of "youthful passion, academic rigor and cultural awareness". Its distinctive model — organized, viewed, evaluated and created by students — continues to reflect the evolving tastes and perspectives of young generations.

Winners highlighted the significance of recognition from student audiences, with several noting the importance of telling grounded, contemporary stories and pursuing artistic innovation. Director Dong Zijian, honored for his debut feature My Friend An Delie, described the moment as especially meaningful, recalling his earlier appearance at the festival as a young actor.

The gala also recognized outstanding works from the student original film section, which received more than 5,000 submissions this year, with 14 projects earning top honors. A cross-Strait youth filmmaker exchange initiative further underscored the festival's role in fostering dialogue among emerging talents.

As the festival continues with upcoming screenings, pitching events and forums, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting young creators and contributing to the future of Chinese cinema, on the eve of Youth Day.