“Chinese New Wave” and “Hangzhou New Cinema”: Beijing Fest Helps Film Fans Discover Young Voices

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Are you excited to explore the “Hangzhou New Wave” at the Beijing International Film Festival? If this term is unclear, fear not! The 15th edition of the festival, running from April 18-26, offers a clear introduction. Specifically, it showcases films by filmmaker Zhu Xin in a “Filmmaker in Focus” program that labels him as the “young standard-bearer of the ‘Hangzhou New Wave’,” or Hangzhou New Cinema movement.

Moreover, Beijing in 2025 will highlight emerging Chinese filmmaker talents within its “Chinese New Wave” initiative, a significant platform for nurturing and showcasing new filmmaking talent. The organizers emphasize that this year’s program will exhibit exceptional films from young Chinese directors, offering unique viewpoints and a range of creative expressions.

Check out the lineup for the “Chinese New Wave” program below.

Speaking of Zhu Zin, let’s delve into some essential facts. Hangzhou, situated in the southeastern part of China’s Zhejiang province, is geographically closer to Shanghai than Beijing. Renowned for its rich history in poetry and arts, as well as UNESCO-recognized cultural landmarks, this scenic city is now home to esteemed universities and leading tech firms. It’s said to have been the world’s largest city during certain periods in the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries.

In 2020, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Britain organized a digital film festival highlighting Hangzhou and its thriving new generation of filmmakers. The school recognized that these directors, who are either from or educated in Hangzhou, possess a deep-seated knowledge of the city’s landscape, culture, and distinctive identity. Their films reflect their personal experiences and contribute to a growing trend in contemporary Chinese cinema, which emphasizes geographical perspective.

Furthermore, it was noted that Hangzhou’s unique blend of natural charm and modern sophistication has nurtured the emergence of innovative filmmakers who have produced a diverse array of captivating films, regardless of their budget size. These works span across various genres, including documentaries, fiction narratives, introspective video diaries, and avant-garde displays of creativity.

In the present context of Chinese cinema, youth-oriented films hold significant weight, as evidenced by their impact, leading to the coinage of the term “Hangzhou New Wave.” (Beijing Film Festival’s words)

Born in 1996, Zhu Xin is recognized as one of the most youthful artists in their city, as stated by the fest. They have openly admired the artistry of Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. In a short span of time, they have gained recognition within the independent film festival scene.

In 2018, at age 22, a graduate from the Film and Television Department of the China Academy of Art debuted his first full-length film, titled “Vanishing Days.” This movie was showcased in the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival’s Forum program. Remarkably, this film was created with a minimal budget of only $2,500, using an untrained cast.

The THR review of the summer movie depicting a teenager’s extraordinary journey remarked that it enveloped its busy hometown in a dreamlike, hypnotic ambiance. It stated further: “Zhu reimagines his city’s woods, caves, and islands as a stage where characters navigate their languid lives, shedding old identities and drifting into delirious fantasies.” The review culminated by asserting that the film signifies the arrival of an artist with a daring imagination.

The second work of the filmmaker was the experimental documentary titled “A Song River.” According to its summary, the movie follows Zhu Xin as he endeavors to reconstruct an ancient poem from the Song Dynasty in his memories. This action initiates a journey that traverses both time and space.

Zhu’s most recent production, titled “All Quiet at Sunrise“, delves into themes of time, love, language, and memory. According to his directorial statement on the project, the concept sprang from a playful idea he had. “As an emerging filmmaker facing challenges within the local industry,” he mused, “I often ponder: would I regret not having made the film I envisioned if I were an elderly man in my 60s?”

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Zhu’s latest feature, “All Quiet at Sunrise“, probes into time, love, language, and memory. His directorial statement on the movie reveals that it stemmed from a fanciful notion he had. “Being a budding filmmaker grappling with the intricacies of the domestic industry,” he reflected, “I often ask myself: would I feel remorseful as an old man in my 60s if I hadn’t brought to life the movie I yearned to create?

The “Filmmaker in Focus” segment at the Beijing Festival will showcase three full-length films and five short movies by Zhu. These include “Community”, “A Folk Song”, “On That Afternoon”, “Cleo”, and “Fragile Women”.

The Beijing festival’s special highlight, “Filmmaker in Focus,” will display three lengthy productions and five short films from Zhu. Among these are “Community”, “A Folk Song”, “On That Afternoon”, “Cleo”, and “Fragile Women”.

Or, more casually:
At the Beijing Festival, we’ll be shining a spotlight on Zhu with screenings of his three movies (“Community”, “A Folk Song”, “On That Afternoon”, “Cleo”, and “Fragile Women”) and five short films.

As a passionate admirer, I’m thrilled to share that the festival organizers aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to Zhu, often referred to as China’s rising cinematic sensation. Their goal is to offer an insightful exploration of this future star from various perspectives.

Below is the lineup for the “Chinese New Wave” program at Beijing 2025.

Title Translations:
* Inner Secrets – Village Tunes (Lina Wang)
* Stars and the Moon – Lake Reflections (Yongkang Tang)
* Reflections in the Lake – Serene Pond (Zhai Yixiang)
* Wen Rou – Crimson Silk (Li Jiaxi)
* Hidden Landscapes – Veiled Scenery (Xufeng Guo)

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2025-04-14 11:24