Some festivals have developed their own charisma.
Cannes, for example, is known for balancing art and commerce.
It maintains consistent support for art-house films.
At the Riviera, people see the year's bravest and most groundbreaking explorations of cinematic art and subjects.
Among all festivals, its film market section draws the most attendance by professional organizations and diversified titles.
Venice has been innovative.
Marco Muller, who has been a director for eight years, introduced the concept of "surprise films" - competing pictures announced after the festival opens. He also initiated an award for 3D movies in 2009. The selection of competing films is edgier and braver but raises public awareness of new talent.
Some small festivals - accredited by FIAPF or not - win over certain groups.
For example, Sundance is where people try to divine the next Oscar-winning independent films, such as Little Miss Sunshine. The Edinburgh Film Festival features a relaxing atmosphere, where film lovers lie in beanbags and eat homemade cakes.
Compared to them, Beijing has a long way to go.
BJIFF's organization is hardly orderly. It lacks proficient programming, catalogues and interview arrangements.
This year's screening schedule wasn't available until the last minute. Ticket purchases were troublesome. And there is no competition section.
So, it's too early to talk about the discovery of potential masterpieces.
An immediate question is: With the more-established Shanghai and Hong Kong film festivals so close on the calendar, how can Beijing attract quality films for its competition section?
Last, but not least, Beijing has not carved out a clear identity.
Will BJIFF be known as a film screening, a market or a competition? What's its unique hook for filmmakers, distributors, buyers and media?
No doubt the red carpet was stunning, the opening ceremony grand, and the cast of A-listers and industry moguls prominent.
But will issues concerning film itself be properly dealt with?
If so, FIAPF accreditation will be a natural consequence, sooner or later.
If not, it won't even win credibility among serious filmmakers and lovers.
By Liu Wei
Contact the writer at liuw@chinadaily.com.cn.
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