The First China International Micro-film exhibition is in full swing in the city of Hangzhou. The event pays tribute to outstanding short films. The festival has seen over 2000 entries, testimony to the enthusiasm for the format.
One highlight of the exhibition is a public-service film featuring Yao Ming. The film named "True love needs a designated driver" makes the point that if you really love someone, you won’t let them drink and drive. Yao Ming was promoting the notion of having a designated driver on a night out, a person who will abstain from drinking alcohol.
The event attracted entries from 10 countries and regions from the US to Hongkong and Taiwan.
"I think the overall quality of this event is very high. We have established names as well as up and coming directors. We have all kinds of work such as animations, documentaries and dramas. " Zhang Yang, Director said.
Another piece, "The New Switch", tells the story of a young girl and her grandfather, and highlights the tensions between the traditional and the modern through artistic expression.
The event is supported by the government, along with CCTV and Hangzhou municipality’s department of propaganda.
"We are actively involving ourselves in the production of short films. We want to embrace, guide and support this cause." Gao Feng, Deputy Director of China Central Television said.
The Hangzhou municipal government is planning to build a short film production base and introduce favourable policies to promote its development. Analysts believe Hangzhou may become a hub for short film production in the future.