Chinese college students from campuses all around the country selected their favorite submitted works in various film categories at the 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival (BCSFF), a key part of the Beijing International Film Festival.

Producer Yan Xuefeng (second left) receives best film award for "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms," at the 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival held in Beijing, May 4, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BCSFF Organizing Committee]

Wuershan's "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms," adapted from the classic Chinese novel "The Investiture of the Gods," won the award for best film. Producer Yan Xuefeng received the trophy on behalf of the film's cast and crew at the award ceremony held at the China National Opera House in Beijing on May 4, coincidentally China's Youth Day. During his acceptance speech, Yan promised that the next two installments of the epic mythology trilogy would see more creativity and a higher production standard.

Director Liang Ming won best director for his drama "Carefree Days," which depicts a young woman diagnosed with uremia. In her final days, her estranged father, an old classmate and a close friend come together to take care of her. As she confronts familial love, friendship and romance, the protagonist finds life still worth cherishing, despite its challenges.

In the acting categories, Jiang Qinqin clinched the best actress award for her role in "Dwelling by the West Lake," while Zu Feng took home best actor for his performance in "A Long Shot." Additionally, the awards for most popular new actor went to Zhuang Dafei and Li Xueqin for their roles in the comedies "Johnny Keep Walking!" and "Post Truth," respectively.  

"Johnny Keep Walking!" also won the award for most popular script, which was written by the screenwriting duo Dong Runnian, who is also the film's director, and Ying Luojia, his wife and the film's producer. 

In addition, Xun Weiping's drama "Earth Abides" received the award for the most popular art exploration film.

Jigme Trinley receives best directorial debut award for "One and Four" at the 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival held in Beijing, May 4, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BCSFF Organizing Committee]

"One and Four" by emerging Tibetan director Jigme Trinley, the son of the late Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden, won best directorial debut. His father won the same award at the 13th Beijing College Student Film Festival in 2006, making Jigme Trinley's win seen as a passing of the torch. 

The young director stated that making "One and Four," with his father as a producer, taught him about growing up and that many moments during the filmmaking process touched his heart. He expressed his commitment to continue making more high-quality films.

Six original works from students were also awarded at the ceremony in categories such as best student film, excellent script and student movie review. Winning works were selected from a pool of more than 100 recommended submissions which were from domestic and international universities and colleges. 

Students receive their honors for their original works at the 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival held in Beijing, May 4, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BCSFF Organizing Committee]

Founded in 1993, the Beijing College Student Film Festival is a national film festival hosted by Beijing Normal University (BNU) and organized by the School of Art and Communication at BNU, with support from more than 50 colleges across China. Integrated into the Beijing International Film Festival in 2022, the Beijing College Student Film Festival includes many events such as an award show, academic forums, workshops and screenings, with celebrated filmmakers and actors gracing the events. The festival is characterized by its motto "organized by students, watched by students, and judged by students," aiming to reflect university students' interests in films and contribution of youthful energy into the Chinese film industry, and to encourage those who wish to pursue a career in filmmaking. 

The winning films at this year's award ceremony are planned to embark on a national tour to be screened at various universities and colleges.

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