Chinese poet Yin Lichuan's second directorial offering, Knitting, is among the first beneficiaries of a new project aimed at exploring markets for independent films.

A scene from Yin Lichuan's Knitting, which is among the first beneficiaries of a new project aimed at exploring markets for independent films.

At a ceremony on Tuesday in Shanghai, Yin Lichuan and Here Is Shangri-La producer Luo La signed on as the first filmmakers under the new project, which promises to get the two films into theaters as soon as possible, Xinmin.cn reports.

Knitting won strong reviews when it was screened at this year's Cannes Film Festival, but Yin Lichuan says she longs more for domestic recognition as a director.

It's critical for Chinese cinema to support low-budget films like Knitting, Zhuo Wu, executive president of Big Media Group and the initiator of the project, said. "The industry needs creativity... that's what we've seen in many new directors."

According to Zhuo Wu, the program will be committed to discovering filmmaking talents, and with help from its marketing professionals, financing and promoting their works.

More than 400 films were made in China last year, of which only one-third have made it to the silver screen, Xinmin.cn says. Lack of investment is the primary reason for the low success rate.

(CRI June 19, 2008)