Chongqing - From May 21 to 25, the 6th Chongqing Pioneer Art Film Festival was held in Shapingba District, showcasing over 30 groundbreaking films from China and abroad under the theme "Creating the Extraordinary." The festival features a diverse lineup, including narrative films, documentaries, and experimental works, with a special "Chongqing New Force" section dedicated to emerging local directors.

The opening ceremony of the 6th Chongqing Pioneer Art Film Festival (Photo/Song Jian)

Launched in 2018 and recognized as a key project in Chongqing's film industry development plan, it has become one of Southwest China's most influential film events, winning accolades such as the 2023 "Top 10 Innovative Cases for Chengdu-Chongqing Film and TV Culture Development."

"This year, we introduced a jury review mechanism, allowing filmmakers and audiences to engage in a six-month interactive selection process," said Li Guanyi, curator of the festival and head of Chongqing University's Meishi Film Academy Pioneer Film Studio. From more than 2,000 submissions, 30 films were chosen for the final lineup.

The opening ceremony was glorified by the premier of Fate of the Moonlight, directed by the renowned Chengdu director Qin Tian. The film tells a touching story about birth, memory, and Chengdu city life.

The festival also highlights the role of new technology in filmmaking. "We've incorporated AI in many of this year's films and even established two new awards to recognize outstanding use of AI in production," Li added, calling it a bold experiment in cinematic innovation.

The 6th Chongqing Pioneer Art Film Festival kicked off on May 21 (Photo/Song Jian)

The closing ceremony promises to be a standout event. Filmmakers will gather at Trade Port Heritage Park for a cultural tour of Chongqing, followed by an unconventional closing show at the Qianji Performance Center. "It’s a fusion of film and fashion—part live concert, part talk show—to offer something fresh," Li explained.

Running for five days, the festival offers free screenings and open-air movies at Shapingba's Three Gorges Square. Film enthusiasts can catch screenings and forums until May 25, celebrating avant-garde cinema and Chongqing's growing creative scene.