From a fleeting spark of inspiration to frames that come alive on the silver screen, every outstanding film project requires time and a nurturing platform to flourish. Over the past fifteen years since its inception in 2012, the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) Project Pitches has become a solid bridge connecting countless film dreams to the big screen. We remain committed to serving as a reliable platform for young filmmakers on their journey to realize their dreams, valuing the potential of every story while building a pathway from script to market.

The 16th BJIFF Project Pitches officially opens for submissions! We invite you to join us once again, leveraging our well-established professional platform and resources to help your story take the crucial steps from the "first move" to the "next move".

In 2026, the BJIFF Project Pitches will celebrate its milestone 15th anniversary. Over the years, the platform has received a total of 9,091 project applications, with over 200 outstanding projects standing out. Notably, 42 of these projects have successfully moved into production or been released, 14 works have been selected for international film festivals, and 6 outstanding films have made their way into international A-list film festivals. These numbers collectively testify to the solid progress we have made, walking hand in hand with creators.

　　The final roadshow of the 15th BJIFF Project Pitches

In recent years, we have seen many young filmmakers' "debut works" born here, greeting the world for the first time. Represented by emerging talents such as Yang Zi, Gu Xiaogang, Xu Lei, Liang Ming, Qiu Sheng, Bai Zhiqiang, and Zang Lianrong, a new generation of filmmakers who started their journey at the BJIFF is steadily advancing toward broader horizons. Their works have been showcased at prestigious international festivals and have returned home to acclaim, illuminated by cinema lights and embraced by enthusiastic audiences. This is more than just a list of accomplishments; it demonstrates a profound resonance between creative dreams and the marketplace.

　　Posters of outstanding projects from previous BJIFF editions

We have always believed that the growth of young filmmakers also relies on the guidance of established predecessors. Since the 14th BJIFF, renowned screenwriter and director Zhang Ji has been invited to serve as the BJIFF Beijing Film Market Art Director. With his profound creative experience and industry insight, he has infused the platform with professional expertise, enhancing both content quality and industrial integration.

Over the years, the BJIFF Project Pitches has been honored to invite accomplished directors such as Ning Hao, Guan Hu, Chen Kuo-fu, Derek Tung-Sheng Yee, Stanley Kwan, Peter Chan, and Chen Sicheng to serve as chairs of the final jury. We have also welcomed film professionals including Chen Xi, Deng Chao, Yong Mei, Jojo Hui Yuet-chun, Wen Muye, Dong Chengpeng, Derek Tsang, Rao Xiaozhi, Dong Runnian, Zhang Mo, Yao Chen, Huang Xuan, Liu Haoran, and Zhang Zifeng as final jury members. These industry leaders speak through their works, offering sincere advice and sharing their experiences with young filmmakers. More importantly, they have taken concrete actions to provide timely assistance, directly offering resources such as cash support and post-production services to outstanding projects during the final roadshow sessions. Such substantial support has helped young filmmakers overcome challenges, accompanying generation after generation of emerging talents through the critical journey from story to screen.

　　Jury members of previous BJIFF Project Pitches

The year 2025 marks a period of fruitful achievements for the BJIFF Project Pitches. We are not merely searching for outstanding projects, but are dedicated to witnessing the complete creative journey of emerging forces in the film industry - from story conception to the final screened film.

During the summer season, two films with deep ties to the BJIFF have drawn particular attention. The Shadow's Edge directed by Yang Zi - whose earlier work Mountain Cry won the "Project with Greatest Commercial Potential" award at the 4th BJIFF Project Pitches - stands out as a notable example. From receiving project honors, to serving as a jury member in the Project Pitches' re-selection process, and now returning as a senior alumnus to share insights in salon discussions, Director Yang Zi's evolving relationship with BJIFF vividly illustrates the platform's empowering value. This time, his new work The Shadow's Edge has not only garnered widespread critical acclaim during the summer season but has also achieved solid box office results.

　　

　　Director Yang Zi's appearance at BJIFF events and the poster for The Shadow's Edge

Equally noteworthy is Girl On Edge by young director Zhou Jinghao. The project's early version, Life On Edge, previously won the "Project with the Most Investment Value" award at the 10th BJIFF Project Pitches. The following year, as a participant in the inaugural Project Pitches Training Camp, Zhou Jinghao was discovered by his mentor Chen Zhengdao, who eventually became the producer of Girl On Edge, providing crucial guidance throughout its development. The film has now been selected for the Directors' Fortnight section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival and received a Caméra d'Or nomination, transitioning from BJIFF's platform to the global cinematic spotlight.

　　Director Zhou Jinghao's appearance at BJIFF events and the poster for Girl On Edge

At the 15th BJIFF Project Pitches this year, The Modern Love Letter received the honor of "Project with Greatest Commercial Potential" and a grant funded by CKF Xiaoxi Pictures. During project negotiations, it successfully connected with a leading production company and jointly advanced to the Golden Rooster Films Project Market, where it secured another honor - the "Jury's Top Choice Project".

　　

　　The Modern Love Letter BJIFF Project Pitches roadshow session and Golden Rooster Films Project Market event

Also making achievements on both domestic and international film festival circuits are outstanding projects from the 14th BJIFF: Tashi received two nominations at the 38th China's Golden Rooster Awards for "Best Directorial Debut" and "Best Children's Film". Similarly, The Lost Daughter, another standout project from the same edition, saw its lead actress Duan Aojuan not only nominated for the "Best Actress" award at the Golden Rooster Awards but also honored as the "Most Anticipated New Actress by Audiences" during the Xiamen screenings. The film is now scheduled for release on December 16, 2025. Meanwhile, Nighttime Sounds has been successively selected for the New Directors competition section of the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Red Sea Competition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, also winning the "Best International Newcomer" award at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival, demonstrating its growing recognition in the global film arena.

　　Honor project posters

The 13th BJIFF Project Pitches project The Night Rain South Township, after receiving the "Outstanding WIP Project" award, subsequently won the "Fei Mu Awards · Special Mention" at the Pingyao International Film Festival and was selected for several important domestic and international platforms including the Asian Film Festival in Italy and Chongqing Youth Film Festival. The film is officially scheduled for release on December 2, 2025.

　　The roadshow scene and a still from The Night Rain South Township

In addition, the outstanding project The Man Without Desire from the 14th BJIFF Project Pitches has successfully completed its incubation process, transitioning from script to reality. Discovered through the BJIFF Project Pitches platform, the project secured its lead production company and officially commenced principal photography in Shenyang this September. The BJIFF Organizing Committee visited the film site to show support and ensure smooth progress for the production team.

　　On-site visit for The Man Without Desire

In recent years, Chinese animated films have experienced a remarkable rise. From the blockbuster phenomenon Ne Zha to multiple animated works like Nobody, The Legend of Hei 2, and Curious Tales of a Temple - all achieving both critical acclaim and solid box office results during the highly competitive summer season. These successes underscore the immense market potential and vibrant creative energy of the animation genre. In response to this trend, the current edition of the Project Pitches has been upgraded with the inaugural introduction of an Animation Project category. This new segment aims to provide a more specialized platform for animated film creation, discover outstanding talent in the field, and inject fresh vitality into the diversified development of Chinese-language cinema.

The 16th BJIFF Project Pitches has set up five tracks: script project unit, WIP project unit, animation project unit, sports project sub-unit, and HAF recommended project sub-unit. Submissions are now officially open. Interested applicants are invited to click "Read More" to register online.