This spring, as is always, becomes the season for making friends to each other. At the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), we have a new friend, Wang Qiang, a young actor who will serve as the Volunteer Ambassador this year.

　　Wang Qiang, Volunteer Ambassador

He was first connected with BJIFF in 2017 for the film On the Balcony. Directed by Zhang Meng, this feature film records, in a coarse and textured film aesthetics, the thoughts Wang interpreted for his character Zhang Yingxiong: Innocent, sorrowful, tender, obstinate... with fickle mind, as a teenager, flowing in his speechless eyes.

　　A still of On the Balcony

Wang never stopped his efforts in self-improvement and self-fulfillment in his film career. In 2019, he played the role of Ge Guichen in Li Shaohong’s Liberation, taking a step forward from literary film to genre film. In 2023, he played the role of Shi Cuntong in the historical drama Manifesto, a story of personal confusion and uncertainty amidst the turbulence of history.

　　A still of Manifesto

He has also starred in a number of popular dramas, represented by The Hope, a hit in 2023 that talks about the struggles and dilemmas of teenage boys and girls in high school, in which Wang portrays the character of Li Yan in a way that is both touching and convincing in its youthfulness. 

Wang's first connection with the BJIFF went back to 2022 when In Search of Lost Time directed by Derek Yee and starring Wang, made its debut as the opening film of the 12th BJIFF and was selected for the Tiantan Award, Competition Section. Based on the true event of "3,000 orphans into Inner Mongolia", In Search of Lost Time is a panoramic reproduction of the society 60 years ago, which was filled with great love. Wang played the role of Namu Khan in the film. His smile with a lamb in his arms and riding on the horseback express the pure and simple vitality, as if he had never been tainted by the world. Thanks to his excellent portrayal, the audience gives high recognition to his character with unforgettable impressions on every detail Namu Khan demonstrates. The film won the Best Asian Chinese Language Film at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards.

　　A still of In Search of Lost Time

If "love and sincerity" are the most touching factors for Namu Khan, we can say with pride that BJIFF volunteers are a group of lovely people with absolute love and sincerity as they never intend to compete for glories, but always make contributions with full dedication in a quiet way, just marching forward firmly on the path of films.

This year, BJIFF invited Wang Qiang as the Volunteer Ambassador who will, using great energy of youth, walk hand in hand with everyone who loves films to make due devotions for all works here. 

Come on, dear friend! Please join our team of volunteers to witness, create, and document every beautiful moment of the 14th BJIFF in this marvelous spring!