Shanghai Film Festival Awards Top Prize to Debut Director Zhong Kaifeng
8 reported
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) awarded its top Golden Goblet award to Chinese filmmaker Zhong Kaifeng, 29, for his debut film "Atlantic Rhapsody" on Saturday night. The festival, which ran for 10 days, focused on supporting young talent through initiatives like the SIFF ING Young Filmmakers Program and the SIFF YOUNG × Shanghai Young Filmmakers Support Program. First-time director Gong Yiwen also won the Asian New Talent award for her film "Her First Taste," which emerged from the SIFF Project initiative. The festival featured approximately 1,600 screenings of some 420 films across Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region. Industry panels addressed artificial intelligence, including the AI Backlot initiative pairing traditional filmmakers with AI upstarts. Festival head Chen Guo said the 28th edition achieved its mission of aligning global and domestic resources and building industrial pathways.
What’s reported
Zhong Kaifeng won the Golden Goblet award for his debut film "Atlantic Rhapsody" at the Shanghai International Film Festival on Saturday night.
The Golden Goblet jury, led by Hong Kong star Tony Leung Chiu-wai, described the film as a "uniquely compelling visual experience."
Gong Yiwen won the Asian New Talent award for her debut film "Her First Taste," which came from the SIFF Project initiative.
The festival counted 78 productions that have found cinema release after being nurtured across its young filmmaker programs over previous years.
The festival featured approximately 1,600 screenings of some 420 films.
Closing film was Zhang Disha's "The Decisive Moment," making its world premiere on Sunday.
Tributes were paid to actress Lisa Lu, who received a lifetime achievement award, and director Zhang Yimou, who received an award for outstanding contribution to Chinese cinema.
Festival head Chen Guo stated the 28th edition achieved its mission of "aligning global and domestic resources" and "building industrial pathways to bring projects to fruition."
Key figures
Zhong Kaifeng, Chinese filmmaker, winner of Golden Goblet award
Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Hong Kong star, Golden Goblet jury head
Gong Yiwen, first-time director, winner of Asian New Talent award
Joan Chen, mentor in SIFF young filmmaker programs
Wen Muye, mentor in SIFF young filmmaker programs
Michelle Yeoh, actress promoting film "This Is My Time"
Lisa Lu, actress, recipient of lifetime achievement award
Zhang Yimou, director, recipient of award for outstanding contribution
Chen Guo, managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center, festival head
Hou Zuxin, Chinese filmmaker, participant in AI Backlot initiative
Yassine El Idrissi, Moroccan director, winner of Golden Goblet for best director for "Halima"
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
