17th FIRST MART ·Awarding Ceremony
This year’s FIRST MART delivered to Xining an extremely diverse ecology of entries full of various personalities. This ecology could raise some doubts: Can expressions that grow wildly in all directions match the context of the transaction? Can creators who adhere to different norms and resist compromise gain enough skill in a short period of time to demonstrate their charisma and ability?
From Open Week to the Film Festival, also from Beijing to Xining. Along with more intense ultraviolet rays came a more direct wave of signals from the front line of the film mart. Many filmmakers were received from all sides of the “precautionary”before traveling to Xining -The FIRST MART jury committe will not be particularly polite.
From July 28th to 29th, FIRST MART held the central pitch of financing forum and industry screening at Sofitel Xining. Sandra Wu, Gao Qunshu, Mai Jia and Chen Yu, which are from jury committe. The 17th FIRST MART navigator: Zhou Dongyu, Huang Jue, Guo Qilin and Dedrek Tsang, and more than three hundred audiences from the mart and media joined together to listen to the filmmakers’ central pitch at the scene.
The enthusiasm of the mart guests exceeded the expectations of the audience and many filmmakers. A nearly filled negotiation schedule, and several emergency coffee and bottled water stocks partially profiled the market’s thirst for new creativity.
This year’s Film Market Review Panel consists of four veteran filmmakers, Chen Yu, Gao Qunshu, Mai Jia and Sandra Wu. Based on their years of in-depth involvement in the movie market, the judges also offered keen advice to creators. Chen Yu said that creators should not be in a hurry to “add value” to their work, and “think about the things that make you feel happy, and that’s what other people can feel the vitality and infectiousness of.”
Gao Qunshu more often thinks at an operational level, and his concerns for creators are often expressed in the following words: “It’s possible to succeed,” “It’s not easy to operate,” and “You should find a good way to realize it. “Everyone wants to make a splash, to be the best performer in the market, but it’s a question of whether they can do it right away.”
Mai Jia appreciates the courage of young creators: “It’s said that ‘you know there’s a tiger in the mountain, but you’re the ones who can wake up the sleeping tiger’.” But he also thinks that in the creative process to find the right method, “young people should play their own dare to innovate, anti-traditional courage, to go another way, do not front strong attack.”
Sandra Wu believes that the creators’ desire for expression is worth encouraging, but good expression must be restrained expression: “After I listened to your speech, I think you really have too many things you want to talk about, so you must find what you want to say the most, and we need to take back what is scattered, so that we can speak better.”
At the FIRST MART Awards Ceremony held on July 30, the vibrant enthusiasm fell into place along with the presentation of awards. The number of award quotas established this year has increased by 9 compared to last year, with a total of 16 projects receiving 24 awards.
BRIDGING THE DRAGON GLOBAL VISION AWARD : SHORT SUMMER IN LHASA
Short Summer in lhasa, selected by FIRST Industry Screening, won the “Bridging the dragon global vision award”, a non-cash prize worth 200,000 RMB provided by Sino-European Producers’ Association Bridging the Dragon.
This award aims to support high-quality film works and to open up possibilities for festivals and sales in Europe. Three projects from FIRST Industry Screening Official Selection with be awarded with festival and financing strategies, post production and sales support in Europe.
Just Tiáo It Award: THE DREAMER IN THE JUNGLE
The film “The Dreamer in the jungle”, selected by first industry screening, won the “Just tiáo it award”, a non-cash prize worth 300,000 RMB provided by ZhijieTiaoSe.
Offers the award winning project pre-production look development, color grading/digital intermediate service.
“TIANYUAN-LEGAL GUARDIAN” AWARD: GALAXY WRITER & ALONE TOGETHER
Congratulations to “Galaxy Writer”, a film selected for the annual first industry screening, and “Alone Together”, a project selected for the annual FIRST FInalcing Forum, for winning the Tianyuan Lawyers’ Legal Guardian Award, a non-cash prize worth 300,000 RMB provided by Tianyuan Law Firm.
Tian Yuan Law Firm provide legal support to creators in relation to copyright transaction, director/producer employment and project financing, including legal advices, drafting and negotiation of transaction documents, etc., in an effort to empower creators and safeguard the foundation for creation.
FIRST MART NAVIGATOR SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION: THE LAST SUMMER
Congratulations to FIRST Industry Screening Annual Selection “The Last Summer” for being selected as FIRST MART Navigator Huang Jue’s Special Recommendation.
Behind this seemingly absurd farce, the movie truly shows the reality of different ages and social identities. When beautiful appearance disappears, it is not a kind of courage to face reality directly.
FIRST MART OUTSTANDING FILMMAKER GRANTS: THE HERALD
FIRST Industry screening annual selected film “The Herald” won the FIRST Film Market Surprise Discovery Award, with a 50,000 RMB grant from filmmaker Li Chen.
FIRST MART OUTSTANDING FILMMAKER GRANTS: THE LAST SUMMER
FIRST Industry Screening Annual Selection “The Last Summer” won the FIRST Film Market Surprise Discovery Award, with a 50,000 RMB grant from filmmaker Jiang Shujing.
RUNNING MONSTER AWARD: LOCALIZATION OF SHAKESPEARE
Localization of Shakespeare, a film project selected by FIRST Finacing Forum, won the Running Monster award, a non-cash prize worth 300,000 RMB provided by Running Monster Music Group.
Running Monster Music Group actively assists young filmmakers and provides professional and comprehensive music service for outstanding creators of Chinese films with its experience and resources in film music production and marketing, so that music and flowing light and shadow can be perfectly combined to create film masterpieces worthy of being remembered by the times.
IMAGE FORESTT POST-PRODUCTION AWARD: NOBODY
FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project, “Nobody”, won the Paintbrush Image Forestt Post-production award, a non-cash award valued at 300,000 RMB provided by Paintbrush Image.
Image Forestt has always been adhering to supporting Chinese young directors and Chinese independent art films. Image Forestt expects a higher degree of participation by providing the best production platform and technical solutions to facilitate the growth of the Chinese film industry.
ASTEROID ESCORT PROJECT： ABOUT A MAN
The FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project “About a Man” was selected by Paihua Media’s “Asteroid Escort Project”, and PaiHua production will provide a non-cash award worth 300,000 RMB.
“Asteroid Escort Project”is Committed to discovering and supporting outstanding filmmakers, with China’s film and television industry as center of gravity, helping them fly towards light. We aim to provide high-quality and effective help for outstanding young filmmakers, to support the expression of profound insight into society and life, to accomplish unique and brilliant works.
“READY TO BLOSSOM”AWARD: UP! PINEAPPLE
Up! Pineapple, a project selected by FIRST Finacing Forum, won the “Ready to Blossom”AWARD, sponsored by Beijing R.molle Culture in cash of 100,000 RMB.
“Ready to Blossom” Award, presented by Beijing R.molle Culture Media Co., Ltd, encourages the young talents in film industry to explore the meaningful moments beyond the appearance of life, and to present the beauty that transcends the times from their unique perspectives. In the diverse film world, let every seed take root and every story truly blooms.
AIMMEDIA PICTUTRES, AIM AWARD: DRIVE YOUR OWN LIFE
The annual selected project of FIRST Finacing Forum, “Drive your own life” won the Aimmedia Pictutres, aim award, sponsored by Aimei Film with 100,000 RMB in cash.
We wish to seek beauty and love in every story. We are dedicated to connecting you with a greater audience.
“CIRCLE OF PASSION AWARD”: LOCALIZATION OF SHAKESPEARE
Congratulations to Localization of Shakespeare, a project selected by first finacing forum, for winning the“Circle of Passion award”, sponsored by huanrui century for 100,000 RMB in cash.
The great works from the industry’s young filmmakers are a driving force, which boosts the continued development for the field. It’s an inevitable responsibility for an industry leading company to constantly and passionately create, innovate and blaze new trails. H&R is honored to present the “Circle of Passion Award”to encourage the young generation of the Chinese film industry to chase their dreams without fear. May your talent and hard work bring you the brightest future in sight.
PMF PICTURES AWARD: NOBODY
The FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project, “Nobody” won the PMF Pictures Award and was sponsored by PMF Pictures with a cash prize of 100,000 RMB.
This award aims to encourage young filmmakers to actively devote to creation, stand from the present, look forward to the future, and dig deep into more vital stories.
LIAN RAY PICTURES INGENUITY AWARD：NOBODY
FIRST Finacing Forum Annual Selected Project “Nobody” was selected by Lian Ray Pictures Ingenuity award, and was sponsored by Lian Ray Picture for 100,000 RMB in cash.
This award aims to help young filmmakers complete dreams if you insist on your originality, stand the loneliness, withstand the temptation, working hard. We believe that young filmmakers will carve their own bright time with the power of imagination and create excellent films with patience and craftsmanship.
SUPER LION CULTURE “SUPERLION•NEW ARTS” AWARD： ALONE TOGTHER
FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project “Alone Togther” won the Uper Lion Culture “Superlion•New Arts” Award, sponsored by Super Lion Culture in cash 100,000 RMB.
Super Lion Culture established the “Super Lion • New Arts” award to support the youths who love films, extend the possibilities and make imagination come true.
MAXTIMES AWARD： THE TADPOLES
FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project “The Tadpoles” was selected by MaxTimes “Maxtimes Award”, sponsored by MaxTimes in cash of 100,000 RMB.
Maxtimes Film Studios empowers young filmmakers, willing to start from obscurity beginnings, yet harboring boundless brilliance. We dare to attempt the impossible, challenging unimaginable dreams.
“SPLENDID – NEW FUTURE” AWARD：FLOATING CLOUD, LONE CRANE
FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project “Floating Cloud, Lone Crane” won the Beijing Splendid “Splendid – New Future” Award, sponsored by Beijing Splendid for 100,000 RMB.
With a mind knowing where your root is, and with an understanding of your goals is the way to find out the direction of the future. Beijing Splendid, in collaboration with FIRST International Film Festival, has established the “Splendid – New Future” Award to encourage outstanding young creators to concentrate on image creation, persist in exploring multiple expressions, and aspire to constantly keep love and reach the mountains and ocean.
FIRST MART NAVIGATOR SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION： FLOATING CLOUD, LONE CRANE
FIRST Finacing Forum Annual Selected Project “Floating Cloud, Lone Crane” was elected as Special Recommendation by FIRST MART Navigator Zhou Dongyu.
Lonely people need a tavern to watch the sparse clientele release their souls from the spirits. We are born to be lonely, a proposition that has landed in Scandinavia, in Tokyo, and in the small towns of Xinjiang. Clean, simple, and restrained, “Floating Cloud, Lone Crane” is the first glimpse of people and life. The director hides humor and absurdity underneath life, condensing it into poetic expression. I look forward to the day when it appears on the screen and meets the audience.
FIRST MART NAVIGATOR SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION：LOCALIZATION OF SHAKESPEARE
Localization of Shakespeare, an annual FIRST Finacing Forum selected project, has been chosen as a Special Recommendation by FIRST MART Navigator Dedrek Tsang.
With the structure of multi-line narrative, opposing and complementary perspectives, and peculiar and angular characters, it combines the black humor belonging to Northeastern iron and the revenge mother-title belonging to Shakespeare into a down-to-earth absurd tragi-comedy, and the temperament of the director’s statement in line with the script makes people believe that this story can be well accomplished.
FIRST MART NAVIGATOR SPECIAL RECOMMENDATION: LOCALIZATION OF SHAKESPEARE & THE TADPOLES
“Localization of Shakespeare” and “The Tadpoles” were selected by FIRST Finacing Forum as special recommendations by FIRST MART Navigator Guo Qilin.
Guo Qilin was unable to attend the event due to his work, but expressed his love for “Localization of Shakespeare” and “The Tadpoles” through an online video. In the darkness of the night, the stars are shining on each other, and the filmmakers are encouraging and high-fiving each other on the road to the market, looking forward to seeing the projects with the audience as soon as possible.
AIMMEDIA PICTUTRES SPECIAL FOCUS AWARD: LOCALIZATION OF SHAKESPEARE
Localization of Shakespeare, a project selected by FIRST Finacing Forum, won the Special Attention Award of Aimee Film and TV, sponsored by Aimmedia Pictures with a cash prize of 50,000 RMB.
Aimmedia Pictures wishes to seek beauty and love in every story. We are dedicated to connecting you with a greater audience.
BEIJING SPLENDID SPECIAL FOCUS AWARD: SEARCHING ONLINE
FIRST Finacing Forum’s annual selected project “Searching Online” won the Beijing Splendid Special focus Award, sponsored by Beijing Splendid with a cash prize of 50,000 RMB.
Beijing Splendid, together with FIRST International Film Festival, has set up the “Beijing Splendid Special focus Award”, aiming at encouraging outstanding young creators to focus on image creation, insist on exploring diversified expressions, and wish to keep their love forever and go to the mountains and the sea.
FIRST MART·INDUSTRY JURY SPECIAL FOCUS: THE HIDDEN BLADE
The FIRST Finacing Forum annual selected project “The hidden blade” won the special attention of the FIRST Mart·Industry Jury Special Focus, and was unanimously selected and launched byThe FIRST MART jury committe.
The spirit of the movie is manifested in the spirit of inheritance, encouraging and high-fiving each other among peers of different generations, and helping each other to reach the future together.
DREAM OF THIS AWARD: NAME AND HAIR
Congratulations to “Name and hair”, a project selected by The FIRST Finacing Forum, for winning “Dream of This Award”, sponsored by General Dream Studio Cash award of 100,000 RMB.
General Dream Studio strives to create cultural masterpieces with social significance and influence, and a special award for “General Dream Studio” to encourage young filmmakers to root in local culture and at the same time, explore and create new genres and new expressions, to promote the development of the industry, to create more film art with an international vision, and to jointly create the future of Chinese cinema.
The movie market is a game for the brave, but not exclusively for the winners. When we see those shining edges, paths through thorns, and faces facing the wind and frost, we may be able to find the power of hope to shake off the wind and snow and get out of the shadow of the long tail.
