NINE young filmmakers from Portugal, Jamaica, Singapore, Spain and Mexico have been invited in the Looking China Youth Film Project, which runs through July 6 in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

Paired with Chinese youth, they will head to Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Xiamen to film a 10-minute documentary, telling their stories about Fujian’s unique customs and cultural heritage.

Craig McTurk, a U.S. film producer and instructor of the project, said that the project celebrates Chinese culture and nurtures young filmmakers. “Making a documentary film in a foreign country is one of the best ways to experience that country on all levels — personally, visually, and as a celebration of shared humanity,” he said.

Adria Guxens Chaparro from Spain said that the program can help the filmmakers discover an ancient culture through exploration of their theme and their stay in Fujian, and that this can eliminate prejudices and stereotypes.

The project is sponsored by Huilin Culture Foundation and hosted by the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture. It has been run for 12 editions and has attracted nearly 900 young people from 101 countries, produced 854 short films and received 157 international awards. (Xinhua)