Li Ruijun, a celebrated contemporary director with six feature films and numerous international awards, recently served as a juror for the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) Golden Coconut Award short film competition. In an insightful conversation, Li revealed his criteria for what makes a film truly great.
\"I keep making films about the land I come from,\" Li explained. Growing up in the countryside of the Hexi Corridor, he developed a deep familiarity with agricultural life. This background inspired him to portray the stories of rural communities, a theme he believes deserves more cinematic attention.
Li emphasized the importance of balancing professional actors with non-professionals to capture the authentic feel of rural life. \"Balancing professional actors with common people is the key to capturing the authentic feel of rural life,\" he stated. He believes that while professional actors bring the ability to convey intense emotions, non-professional actors add genuine texture to the narrative.
Originality stands at the forefront of Li's criteria for short films. \"The most important thing is originality. The core value of any work of art is its ability to offer something fresh and unique,\" he said. Li values new audiovisual techniques and unique perspectives, ensuring that each film presents something moving and emotionally resonant.
Regardless of the jurors' diverse backgrounds, Li noted that emotional storytelling and originality are universally appreciated. \"We all share a common appreciation for emotional storytelling. We want to see something moving, with a strong sense of originality,\" he concluded.
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Golden Coconut Award juror Li Ruijun shares criteria for great films
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