The 10th 86358 Jia Village Short Film Festival, one of the country's most influential events of its kind, announced the winners of 11 awards in the titular village in Fenyang, Shanxi province.
In the main competition section, Best Picture went to My Threaded Firework, based on the true story of a woman who left middle school to work in a garment factory and later became a poet. Nothing to Say, a Cantonese-language film told from the perspective of a young relationship counselor, won Best Director, while the comedy Sleepless Night took home Best Screenplay.
The festival also highlighted works by emerging local creators and filmmakers exploring new technologies. In the Local Talent section, About All Others, based on the real-life case of a doctoral student who shot and killed an associate professor at the University of North Carolina in 2023, won Best Picture. In the AIGC section, Dream Within a Dream, about three people discussing their dreams, took home Best Picture.
The diverse lineup and awards reflected the festival's growing role as a platform for young filmmakers. Zhang Tiezheng, director of the Online Audiovisual Program Management Department at the Shanxi Radio and Television Bureau, said the event has grown into one of China's most influential platforms for young filmmakers and a cultural landmark for Shanxi province.
He said he hoped the festival would continue along a professional and distinctive path, focusing on supporting young filmmakers and short-film creation, while helping more promising young filmmakers and their works reach wider audiences and bigger stages.
The festival's expanding scope was also reflected in this year's competition. Over five days, 25 films competed in the main section, alongside 13 entries in the Local Talent section and 10 in the AIGC section. Another 10 films were featured in a special screening program.
The juries also noted the breadth of this year's submissions. Jury presidents Zhang Lyu, Lyu Yulai and Qiu Cheng, representing the three competition sections, praised the quality and diversity of the entries.
Beyond the competition, the festival provided young filmmakers with opportunities to exchange ideas and build connections. Industry panels, networking receptions and a campfire party were held during the event, creating a lively space for emerging creators to meet, share experiences and explore new possibilities for short-film production.
