Cannes: Xia Hao's 'No.23' Scoops New Chinese Director Award
Xia Hao and his project No. 23 was awarded the top prize of RMB 1 million ($161,000) to support a young director taking part in the third New Chinese Film Talents Fund Forum (NCFTFF) during the Cannes Film Festival and market.
The prize was a collaboration between action superstar Jackie Chan and the Marche du Film, and the prize is to be invested in the costs of the production of the NCFTFF-winning director’s new project, which they were in Cannes to pitch with the support of the Marche and the NCFTFF.
Marche du Film executive director Jerome Paillard presented the award.
Song Yuefeng and his project The Wild Horns was given a special mention.
There were eight young directors participating in the NCFTFF, which was established three years ago by the Marche and Champs Lis with the goal of encouraging and supporting promising young Chinese filmmakers in their understanding of the global cinema marketplace, of the commercial requirements of the film industry, and of their approach to the international production business.
"Each of the eight directors and projects was unique and full of potential, and we are proud of such a fantastic lineup," said Paillard.
"We wish all the participants all the best for themselves and their projects in the future, and we look forward to seeing them back in Cannes with their finished films," he added.
The NCFTFF was part of the inaugural Cannes China Summit, arranged and hosted by the Marche.