A new generation of Chinese filmmakers dares to dream big — mixing genre, gender, and grit to carve out space in a competitive industry.

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."

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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.

Do it my way

Huang Aiyi, a 30-year-old director from Foshan, Guangdong province, sparked intense discussion among the judges with her pitch for Washing Machines' Guide to the Supreme, a sci-fi film project praised for its bold imagination and deep philosophical undertones.

"The female protagonist refuses salvation from a higher civilization at the edge of the universe and chooses to keep wandering. In doing so, she's rejecting a utilitarian worldview — one that values only the survival of the fittest," Huang explained. "I wanted to explore the emotional dilemmas young people are grappling with today."

With this film, Huang aims to push the boundaries of commercial genre film-making. "There aren't many sci-fi films with female protagonists, either in China or abroad. But movies like Arrival and Everything Everywhere All at Once have really inspired me," she said. "My film may not be explicitly labeled as 'female-themed', but at the very least, the main character is a woman."

"I'm very pleased to see more young creators embracing female perspectives in recent years. I believe this emerging trend is a great sign for the industry," she added.

However, turning imagination into reality comes with many practical challenges.

As a graduate of the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China, Huang acknowledges that breaking into directing without a formal film school background is "a high bar to clear".

"The film industry is like a walled city," she explained. "Getting in takes connections and access to resources."

Joining Next Frame Space proved to be a turning point for her. After her pitch, more than a dozen companies reached out, which made her truly appreciate the event's value as a platform.

"I've always been a screenwriter, quietly hoping to direct but never really getting noticed. After being shortlisted at the event, I think people in the industry started seeing me as a potential director," she said. "Exposure itself is an opportunity."

The feedback from the judges was invaluable. Xu Yuet-jan, a renowned Hong Kong film producer, encouraged Huang to "shoot a sample to prove it's doable".

Advice from acclaimed screenwriter Zhang Ji also gave her confidence. "He helped me understand the importance of sticking to what I want, even when different investors have different opinions," Huang said. "I'm not trying to sell this project — I want it to be made my way."

Commerce and passion

At the pitch event, 27-year-old director Zhang Shubo from Zibo, Shandong province, presented his debut feature film Gaze After — a deeply personal, female-centered story told through the lens of a young male director.

Drawing from his own and his mother's experiences, Zhang explores the theme of a woman gradually reclaiming her self-worth and identity following family upheaval and separation.

Zhang resonates strongly with the festival's slogan: "Come with a story, leave with a film." Although filming is complete, he still faces a funding gap of 500,000 yuan ($68,398.31) for post-production, editing, and other finishing touches. He's hopeful that this youth-focused project platform will help him secure the support he needs.

"For young filmmakers like me who don't have industry connections, film festivals and pitch events are probably the most effective way to bring our stories to the screen," he said.

Meanwhile, Modern Love Letters, a project by young director Tang Yan and post-95 producer Li Jiayi, was awarded "Most Commercially Valuable Project" at the pitch session for its inventive mix of genres.

Blending Hong Kong-style nostalgia with elements of fantasy, the film tells a story of intergenerational female support that transcends time and space. "But it's not meant to be melodramatic," said Li. "We want it to feel dreamy, romantic, and full of hope — something that leaves audiences walking out of the cinema feeling uplifted."

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Tang and Li first met through their shared passion for rescuing stray cats — a bond that later evolved into a professional partnership.

While developing the script, they communicated constantly and agreed on creating a widely appealing commercial film rather than an art-house piece.

"The judges suggested we could amplify certain genre elements, like Chinese horror or suspense, or further enhance the fantasy aspects. Another option was to take a broader commercial approach by incorporating social themes," Tang explained. "Of course, our commercialization plan will be refined once film companies come on board, from distribution to promotion."

The close cooperation between this director-producer duo reflects the potential for young filmmakers to pursue their dreams step by step within an increasingly mature and supportive film industry.

Looking ahead, Li shared a simple yet heartfelt vision: "We hope that more people like us can feel empowered, find courage, and see possibility."

guiqian@i21st.cn