Young filmmakers take the stage

At the project pitch event, held from April 19 to 20 as part of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's Next Frame Space unit, young directors rapidly flipped through PowerPoint slides on stage, delivering well-rehearsed presentations. Their goal: to capture the attention of judges and investors in the audience and to win support — whether in the form of funding, collaborators, or production resources.

The event offers emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their talent. As a major highlight of this year's festival, it serves as a hub for learning and professional growth, featuring project pitching sessions, producer salons, and post-production training to support participants in a well-rounded way.

Zhang Youhao, a 30-year-old actor, is one of the initiative's two spokespersons. He brought his starring film Good Job! to the festival — a project created by a young team that reflects the vibrant spirit of the next generation of filmmakers.

Speaking about his role as a spokesperson, Zhang said: "It's both an honor and a responsibility. I hope that through my efforts and modest influence, I can help more young filmmakers discover and make use of this platform — so they don't feel lost when trying to break into the industry or bring their ideas to life."

He noted that working with young creative teams often brings "many fresh ideas that differ from the past" — ranging from innovative camera techniques to new narrative approaches.

"What stands out most about young filmmakers is their courage to think and act. They face problems head-on and are unafraid to express themselves," he said.

"I used to think I was stuck in a creative rut, but interacting with young people showed me new ways to think and see things, which has been very inspiring for me," he added.