The light fantastic

Themed "stand to the light", this year's College Student Film Festival, as part of the Beijing International Film Festival, resumed in-person activities following the COVID-19 pandemic, and featured eight sections, including themed screenings, academic and cultural events, and a selection of original films by college students.

On May 4, Youth Day, the grand ceremony of the 30th College Student Film Festival's "Youth Night" was broadcast on prominent media platforms, including CCTV 6, China Central TV's film channel. The event saw the participation of nearly 1,000 students and representatives from academia, as well as the film industry and other associated sectors.

Eight awards were bestowed during the festival. The Wandering Earth II was honored as the most popular film of the year among college students, while Zhang Yimou received the accolade of most popular director.

The organizing committee has meticulously crafted the commemorative film Stand to the Light for the 30th anniversary of the film festival.

By conducting captivating interviews with the festival's founder, secretary-general, eyewitnesses and esteemed filmmakers, the film takes viewers on a visual journey through the illustrious 30-year history of the festival, encapsulating its most memorable moments.

Over the past 30 years, it has expanded its reach to over 200 universities in more than 70 cities across the country, showcasing nearly 900 domestic films through approximately 30,000 screenings. Additionally, the festival has hosted nearly 200 academic forums and lectures.

According to Xiao Xiangrong, head of Beijing Normal University's School of Arts and Communication, nearly 2,000 film and television students have actively participated in the operations of the festival, which has engaged an astounding 3.6 million students in its activities.

"Many students who once took part in the festival have now established themselves as renowned directors, screenwriters, university film instructors and film critics. They have made significant contributions to the advancement of Chinese cinema's quality and its development in various professional roles," he says.