As the legacy of cinema continues to evolve and inspire, the 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) returns this spring, officially unveiling the visionary leaders of its three premier sections. Today, the festival is proud to announce its Jury Presidents: Feng Xiaogang for the Forward Future, Shu Qi for Project Pitches, and Andrew Lau for the BJIFF Shorts. Bringing a wealth of creative mastery and industry wisdom, these three icons of Chinese cinema join forces to mentor and champion the next generation of filmmakers as they pursue their cinematic dreams.

The Visionary Leaders of Three Premier Sections

This collaboration marks a momentous cinematic reunion spanning over two decades. The names of these three film professionals are inextricably woven into the evolution of Chinese-language cinema, serving as architects of its modern marketization and industrialization. Throughout their storied careers, their creative paths have frequently intertwined - each artist enriching the other's work while collectively propelling Chinese film into the heart of public life. Together, they have etched their stories into the collective screen memories of multiple generations.

In the 1990s, while Feng Xiaogang was pioneering the Chinese mainland's "Lunar New Year" film season with The Dream Factory, infusing cinema into the lives of ordinary audiences through the warmth and wit of everyday life, Andrew Lau was redefining Hong Kong genre cinema. As a principal architect of Hong Kong's cinematic golden age, Lau's Young and Dangerous series reshaped the industry's landscape. It was within this vibrant era that their paths first converged. In Portland Street Blues, a spin-off produced by Andrew Lau and his partners, Shu Qi delivered a masterfully nuanced performance that earned her the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. This triumph signaled her evolution from a promising newcomer into a formidable talent and sparked a deep, decades-long creative bond with both directors. In the years since, Shu Qi and Andrew Lau have cultivated one of the most intuitive and dynamic partnerships in Chinese-language cinema, collaborating on over a dozen acclaimed works ranging from the haunting suspense of Confession of Pain to the evocative romance of Look for a Star. Simultaneously, her lead roles in Feng Xiaogang's If You Are the One trilogy have become enduring classics, cementing her presence as a defining face of the Chinese mainland's Lunar New Year's film tradition.

Film Posters for The Dream Factory, Infernal Affairs, Initial D, If You Are the One, and Girl

Throughout the shifting tides of Chinese-language cinema over the decades, these three visionaries have remained steadfast in their dedication to the craft, producing a body of work that not only resonates with audiences but stands the test of time. Bound by mutual admiration, their cinematic paths have intertwined to form an indelible part of our collective youth - those most cherished memories on screen.

Having devoted the better part of their lives to the silver screen, each has carved a distinct legacy, yet they remain united by a singular, founding aspiration: to be master storytellers, and more importantly, to empower others to tell their stories with excellence. They possess an intuitive mastery of narratives that move the heart, fueled by a vivid memory of their own beginnings - the hunger for opportunity and the search for a stage. Now, as they assume the mantle of Jury Presidents for the festival's three cornerstone sections, their collective stewardship will span the entire odyssey of emerging creators: from writing a compelling story and bringing it to life on screen, to reaching a wider audience.

Feng Xiaogang, Jury President of Forward Future

Forward Future, overseen by Feng Xiaogang, is dedicated to discovering debut and sophomore feature films from emerging directors worldwide. This section is defined by its commitment to "newness" and "premieres", serving as a vital stage where the world can witness the future of cinema. Throughout his creation career, Feng Xiaogang's work has remained deeply rooted in local culture and a profound connection with audiences. He has a keen understanding of the nuances of human relationships in China and knows how to craft stories that resonate deeply with people. This authentic grasp of the Chinese audience is precisely what young international directors need most as they navigate the Chinese market and seek to forge a genuine connection with local viewers. With him at the helm of Forward Future, these global debut works will be evaluated and introduced to China through the lens of a storyteller who truly understands the heart of the audience.

Shu Qi, Jury President for Project Pitches

Fresh from the release of her directorial debut feature, Girl, last year, Shu Qi brings a uniquely dual perspective to Project Pitches. She has a profound understanding of the aspirations and obstacles faced by emerging creators. Having transitioned from a celebrated on-screen presence to a meticulous filmmaker behind the scenes, she has personally navigated the complete journey from performance to creation, granting her profound insight into the confusion and perseverance that newcomers experience at the starting line. Alongside her fellow jurors, Shu Qi will guide young visionaries in upholding the Project Pitches' founding mission: "Arrive with a story, leave with a film". By bridging the gap between raw talents and industry resources, she is dedicated to ensuring that sincere creative endeavors are not only seen but supported, helping these nascent dreams find their way to the silver screen.

Andrew Lau, Jury President of BJIFF Shorts

For this year's revitalized BJIFF Shorts, the festival has invited Andrew Lau to serve as Jury President - a choice that perfectly reflects his reputation as a master of balancing commercial appeal with artistic merit. From his Young and Dangerous series, which defined the commercial blueprint for youth-oriented genre films, to the seminal Infernal Affairs, which set a dual benchmark for critical and box-office success in Chinese-language crime cinema, Andrew Lau's influence is undeniable. With a profound mastery of genre logic, Andrew Lau understands how to maximize the impact of a narrative within the condensed runtime of a short film. Having witnessed the evolution of Chinese-language genre films from their raw, grassroots beginnings to their current industrial maturity, he possesses an unparalleled instinct for the imagery that captivates audiences and the stories that hold the potential for feature-length expansion. Under his leadership, the jury will provide emerging filmmakers - especially those seeking to break into the industry through genre storytelling - with the most pragmatic and rigorous professional guidance.

From creating the timeless classics we return to time and again, to guiding the next generation as they take their first tentative steps in filmmaking - the evolution of these three cinematic icons embodies the most stirring legacy of Chinese-language cinema: the passing of the torch. While their legendary works are forever etched onto the silver screen, their founding aspirations remain steadfast and unchanged. As the 16th BJIFF draws near, we look forward to witnessing - alongside these three masters - the emergence of new talents and the discovery of fresh stories and future classics that will once again move us all.