From the moment the first ray of light is projected onto the screen, the film functions as a transformative medium that seamlessly blends reality and imagination. Utilizing the exquisite artistry of light and shadow, it meticulously crafts an immersive world that is dreamlike yet resonates profoundly. Each frame and narrative embodies the boundless imagination and emotion of humanity, and stands as an artistic treasure that transcends culture, time, and space.
Light and shadow interweave to outline infinity. On the evening of April 24, as part of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, the “Inspiration Night” dinner of the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” segment was successfully held in Beijing.
This event is jointly organized by the Beijing International Film Festival,Wonderland Chinese Version and ARTnews Chinese Version, Beijing 798 Culture Technology Co., Ltd., and the Zhejiang Digital Content Research Institute. The dinner served a dual purpose, not only bringing together a number of distinguished filmmakers and artists, but also revealing the winning entries of this year's film unit at the event. This thus provided a platform to celebrate outstanding shortWithin this radiant “Inspiration Night”, countless gazes converged to witness an occasion imbued with artistry and profound emotion, a moment that seemed to suspend time and served to preserve the enduring spirit of art.
Starry Night, Head for the Light
Let’s go together on the starry night. Under the cover of the hazy night, attendees, guided by the light, converged upon this notable occasion. On the day of the dinner, Ms. Yin Chunying, publisher of Wonderland Chinese Edition and ARTnews Chinese Edition and initiator of the “Art & Vision Certain Unit”, made her inaugural appearance. She attended the event alongside the jury members of this year's “Art & Vision Certain Unit”: Director Ning Ying, Actor Zhang Yishan, Mr. Wu Jinjun (Chief Representative for Greater China at New York Festivals), and contemporary artist Jiang Zhi. Together, they participated in exploring the infinite possibilities of light and shadow art.
The event was also attended by several esteemed guests, including: Hao Jie, Deputy Director of the Beijing International Film Festival Operation Center (BJIFF Operation Center) at Beijing Radio & Television Station (BRTV) and Deputy Director of the Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee Office; Li Yingli, Deputy Director of the Brand Development Department of the Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee; Lu Rongzhi, the first Chinese female curator, organizer, acclaimed art critic, and artist; and other prominent figures.
Jury members and guests of “Art & Vision Certain Unit”
The stars illuminated the night, and light permeated the atmosphere. Distinguished filmmakers and industry guests also attended the “Inspiration Night” dinner hosted by the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” initiative, further illuminating the art of film on this night of the fusion of fashion, culture, and art.
(The red carpet presentations will proceed in alphabetical order)
Supermodel Chen Bige
Supermodel Chen Yu
Actress and singer Dai Yanni
Host and actor Du Haitao
Actor Hai Lu
Actor Hai Qing
Producer and actor Tian Pujun
Actor Wang Gege
Actor Xu Haiqiao
Actor Yu Xintian
Actor Zhang Yishan
Actor Zhong Xi
Against the backdrop of a serene night, illuminated by the ethereal glow of the moon, the Bauhaus-style industrial buildings of the 798 · 751 Park provided an ideal setting for photographic artistry. The cinematic lighting, replete with visual tension, engenders a sense of profound immersion, enabling viewers to transcend the boundaries of the screen and experience the interplay of light and shadow firsthand. This timeless and boundless experience proved captivating, drawing numerous guests to linger, thoroughly entranced by its luminous allure.
“Inspiration Night” film poster
Light and Shadow's Vision: Testifying to Splendor
As night falls, the “Inspiration Night” dinner, presented by the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” program, officially commences. At the dinner event, the anticipated highlight arrived as scheduled. The winning film of the second "Art & Vision Certain Unit" was officially announced, eliciting enthusiastic applause and sustaining the celebratory atmosphere of the dinner. Speaking on behalf of the Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee (BJIFF), Hao Jie, Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee Office, extended a welcome to the second “Art & Vision Certain Unit”, expressing the hope that it would continue to demonstrate its distinct character on the BJIFF stage and achieve a synergy of artistic merit and commercial success.
Hao Jie, Deputy Director of Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee Office
As the first segment within the Beijing International Film Festival to focus on the development of commercial art short films, the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” has consistently supported commercial art short films and their related cultural domains.
Since its inception, film has borne the dual mission of commerce and art, and has continuously embraced new possibilities in its continued evolution. In commemoration of the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's “Art & Vision Certain Unit” will continue its tradition of attracting exceptional works, furthering its exploration of commercial art films and seeking fresh insights through outstanding works and innovative dialogues within the industry.
“Art & Vision Certain Unit” event site
Furthermore, the second “Art & Vision Certain Unit” expanded its scope to encompass two new categories of short films - cultural tourism promotional films and life documentary films - building upon the foundation of brand commercial short films. This provided creators with greater creative latitude and broadened the potential for synergistic relationships among art, film, and commerce.
“Art & Vision Certain Unit” event site
At the dinner, the top films from the second “Art & Vision Certain Unit” were recognized. From a shortlist of 20 entries, reflecting a highly competitive selection process, the following nine exceptional films emerged as award recipients: Intangible Cultural Heritage in My Eyes, The Beautiful Things in Nanjing: Intangible Cultural Heritage Velvet Flowers | The Passing Years, Shenzhen Is Not Picky, Old Crane, Under the Sun, Coral Is Waiting, Huawei AITO M9 Dance of the Phoenix in the Ninth Heaven, Sensitivity Will Always Have Answers, and vivo S19 Series: Yanyu Qing.
In the Cultural and Tourism Promotional Short Films category, three outstanding films were recognized for their exceptional merit: Intangible Cultural Heritage in My Eyes for Best Cultural Presentation, The Beautiful Things in Nanjing: Intangible Cultural Heritage Velvet Flowers | The Passing Years for Best Artistic Expression, and Shenzhen Is Not Picky for Best Communication Value. The creators artfully portray the aesthetic and cultural richness of diverse locales through the lens, eliciting profound emotional connection. They will continue to employ light and shadow as their medium to craft enduring narratives of urban culture.
Best Cultural Presentation: Intangible Cultural Heritage in My Eyes (Director: Zhu Boyu)
Best Artistic Performance: The Beautiful Things in Nanjing: Intangible Cultural Heritage Velvet Flowers | The Passing Years (Director: Cheng Donglin)
Best Communication Value: Shenzhen Is Not Picky (Director: Wang Shaohan)
The Life Documentary Short Film category within this year's “Art & Vision Certain Unit” highlighted the warmth and humanistic aspects of life, and three exceptional films emerged as honorees: Old Crane for Best Theme Communication, Under the Sun for Best Humanistic Care, and Coral is Waiting for Best Visual Creativity. These works prompt individuals to pause amidst the frenetic pace of modern life and re-engage with the subtle yet profound emotional connections that bind humanity, offering a transformative perspective.
Best Theme Communication: Old Crane (Director: Song Xin)
Best Humanistic Care: Under the Sun (directors: Peng Xiao, Xu Yi)
Best Visual Creativity: Cs Waiting (Director: Zhuang Canjie)oral i
The Brand Commercial Short Film category showcased the fusion of artistic creativity and commercial viability, with accolades awarded to the following three films: Huawei AITO M9 Dance of the Phoenix in the Ninth Heaven for Best Cultural Presentation, Sensitivity Will Always Have Answers for Best Artistic Performance, and vivo S19 Series: Yanyu Qing for Best Communication Value. These films effectively synthesize the language of the lens with authentic expression, innovative advertising techniques, and compelling content narratives, thereby fully communicating the brand's underlying concept and inherent value.
Best Visual Effects: Huawei AITO M9 Dance of the Phoenix in the Ninth Heaven (Director: Wang Haoyi)
Sensitivity Will Always Have Answers (Director: Chen Guo)
vivo S19 Series: Yanyu Qing (Director: Zhang Heng)
Pay tribute to creation and help the future
Beyond the captivating highlights of the dinner, Ms. Yin Chunying, initiator of the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” program, reaffirmed the commitment to the initial "Focus Plan" and unveiled a new strategic initiative. This program is dedicated to the training of young directors and emerging creative advertising talents. It aims to nurture and identify new film creators for artistic commercial films and infuse new vitality into the industry. The “Focus Plan” facilitates collaborative ventures between creators in academic institutions and the broader community, while also connecting brands with exceptional cultural and artistic filmmaking talent, thereby fostering a dedicated and enduring talent pipeline.
Moreover, this year's “Art & Vision Certain Unit” has established a “Video Alliance” with a more forward-looking vision and more authoritative art endorsement, and has contracted with exceptional creators to cultivate a mutually beneficial platform for brands and artists, employing the power of film and art to fuel innovation and energize future growth.
“Art & Vision Certain Unit” Image Alliance Signing
With the successful conclusion of the “Inspiration Night” dinner, the second “Art & Vision Certain Unit” will also draw to a close. This event not only provided significant recognition for exemplary short films and their creators from the past year but also facilitated in-depth exchange and exploration within the domain of artistic commercial films, thereby delineating pathways for future creative endeavors.
By striving to create, we shape the future. The era of commercial art short films will endure, and the “Art & Vision Certain Unit” will persist in utilizing its artistic capabilities to generate innovative works, thereby ensuring a future cinematic landscape brimming with boundless potential.
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