Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE 3rd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area College Student Film Week launched Sunday at Shenzhen University, marking a key cultural event timed to coincide with the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema and designed to foster the next generation of filmmakers.

The opening ceremony featured a blend of traditional and modern performances, including an opera piece from famed performer Zeng Xiaomin and acts by local university bands and dance clubs. Zhang Songwen, a renowned actor and the event’s artistic advisor, joined 1,800 student representatives from the GBA to inaugurate the film week.

The event opened with the Chinese 8K space documentary “Shenzhou 13,” with its creators present to discuss the filmmaking process and China’s recent achievements in space.

Young actor Zhou Zhengjie, known for popular films such as “The Volunteers: Peace at Last” and “The Shadow’s Edge,” was invited to serve as the promotional ambassador for the film week, bridging the gap between the event and college students through a peer’s perspective.

This year’s film week is the first to be jointly held by Shenzhen and Guangzhou, combining resources with the 21st Guangzhou College Student Film Festival. The “twin-city” model aims to create a broader, more robust platform for young cinematic talent.

The Shenzhen program is built around six core sections and over a dozen activities, creating a comprehensive platform that integrates film viewing, creation, exchange, food, travel, and science education.

From September to December, the film screening section will screen 55 diverse films across Shenzhen University, the Southern University of Science and Technology, and partner cinemas. With over 100 screenings, the program is expected to reach 100,000 students. An exhibition featuring posters from more than 100 classic films produced in Guangdong Province will also tour campuses, commemorating Chinese cinema’s 120-year history.

The festival’s communication and cultivation section is establishing a support system for young creators, inviting students from across China and Southeast Asia to submit film reviews, scripts, and short films. Winning entries will receive professional incubation support from the industry.

From October to November, the “Masters on Campus” series will feature masterclasses with industry leaders, alongside sharing sessions with production teams from popular movies.

The film week innovatively introduced a “Film+” model that includes activities such as Savoring Food Through Film, Traveling with Movies, and Science Through Cinema, blending cinematic culture with diverse public experiences. The event will conclude in November with a campus tour of the award-winning short films.

Since its inception in 2023, the event has become a significant platform for nurturing new film talent and connecting industry resources.