Filmmaker unveils Pingyao Film Festival highlights

Jia Zhangke, initiator of the annual Pingyao International Film Festival, introduced highlights of the 2019 Pingyao International Film Festival at a press conference in Pingyao county on Oct 8.

He said that this year's festival – running from Oct 10-19 -- is more fresh, diverse, open and convenient.

On offer is not only the latest films by young and new directors but also masterpieces that have not been screened in the cinema.

There are also diverse types of films -- including Bollywood blockbusters, Japanese horror films, South American crime and gangster films and Chinese traditional drama films – being screened in Pingyao.

This year's festival theme -- "one to everyone" -- continues the concept of previous sessions to provide ordinary people with the opportunity to meet film figures and noted filmmakers and get close to each other. 

The organizers said there will be many occasions during the festival to allow people to conduct face-to-face talks with a number of recognized filmmakers.

For example, around 20 internationally renowned filmmakers will share their in-depth experiences of the film market, technology, development topics at eight high-level forums and master classes during the film festival.

Organizers said this will help audiences to develop insight and gain more film knowledge.

In addition, the elements of Shanxi are being highlighted during the film festival in Pingyao, where local audiences can see more film creators around them as well as more films based on local culture.