Short film competition to show love across the Strait

The 2019 Cross-Strait Youth Short Film Competition was launched on January 8.

Under the theme of “We Love,” talented young people in Shanghai and Taipei are encouraged to record sweet and memorable moments in their lives. 

On May 9, 60 outstanding works will be announced as being nominated for the finals. The cast from the entries will be invited to a weeklong training camp in June. Award-winning short films will have the chance to be screened during the Shanghai International Film Festival.

This year marks the competition's third, and last year 2,119 entries were received from young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The jury panel includes veteran film directors Zhang Jianya and Jiang Haiyang, actress Zhao Jing, Taiwan actor Steve Ma and film scholar Shi Chuan. 

According to veteran Chinese filmmaker Zhang Jianya, short film has become an eye-catching art.

“With diverse digital methods, film-making is more accessible to ordinary people,” said Zhang. “Many short films have formed their own distinctive styles — it is an art form with good prospects.”

Each short film is limited to a length of 10 minutes, and the deadline for public selection is April 8. Candidates can apply on the official website.