北京国际电影季

Silver screened theaters in Beijing may have the highest grossing films with famous actors and special effects. But American Peter Sallade and his group of film buffs want Beijingers to see the world's smaller, independent films that bring something artistic and new to audiences in China.

Founder Sallade says the Beijing International Movie Festival is genuine in its selections and uninfluenced by big names and wallets in the industry.

"A film festival isn't about the glory of the organizer or about all the work that goes into it; it's about the movies and the film makers. And this is something that fortunately the public, the people who come see the movies don't get distracted by…They're not coming to get posters, logos slammed in their faces. When the movie starts, the focus is squarely on the visiting film makers and the films we're showing. And this is what I like about independent film festivals, seeing the movie with a more personal experience to it and some kind of connection. And to see a work that maybe shorter but without a lot of crazy special effects but has a personal connection to somewhere in our lives."

Organizers Sallade, James Foster, Xing Yu, and Zhang Qi aim to make the festival more inclusive of the local community. Any Chinese or expat with a love of film can jump right in and volunteer.

Project manager, Xing Yu explains that is all part of a larger impact for everyone involved.

"Actually, I think the movie festivals like this one are really rare in Beijing, but so many people like indie films that they are eager to participate in the festivals and enjoy movies which present fresh ideas to them… So, the audience gets what they expect and the directors and short film enthusiasts can come here to communicate because it is a nice platform."

Out of the hundreds of submissions, film screener Zhang Qi says they have selected 27 films that will be shown in selected venues in Beijing such as Yugongyishan, Marriot Hotel Northeast, and Home Plate American BBQ.

First prize winner receives the "Golden Duck Award." There is also a "Crying Monkey Award" given to the most artistic feature that simultaneously throws caution to the wind. Last but not least is the "Budget-less Bombs" night on the 17th, with films such as "Heavy Metal Picnic".

Despite amusing titles like this, Zhang Qi points out that the goal is to expose the community to films they wouldn't ordinarily find on their own.

"A lot of my friends just watch the blockbusters because they think that movies are just like that, just for making money. But when I show them some of our independent movies, they are surprised, it's like some types of movies can me made though. I think this will inspire some people to make their own movies."

Some films to watch for are "No Names," "Furious Force of Rhymes" and "Cultures of Resistance." This year's edible highlights also include freshly baked cookies and drink sponsors.

Sallade says he hopes to continue to improve the festival in the coming years. But for now, the timing is right and Beijing is the perfect place to evolve.

"It's like people talk about the seventies in New York City, it's like you've got this great wave of artistic integrity and experimentation. Well, I feel you've got the same thing happening in Beijing too. You've got this open field, this new frontier. People care about learning, about curiosity. Working people here, students, government officials, expats to locals, they're all curios about what the world has to offer and great, independent film is an easy way to explore that."

They say the slogan that sums it all up is from a song by Okkervil River that says, "Our life is not a movie, or maybe…"

For CRI, I'm Andrea Hunt.