At the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), the Forward Future jury’s Swiss director Cyril Schäublin couldn’t hide his excitement. Appointed to judge up-and-coming storytellers, Schäublin described this year’s batch of young Chinese filmmakers as “surprising” for their daring choices in time structure, world-building, and narrative perspective.
Selected from a record-breaking pool of over 500 submissions spanning nearly 90 countries and regions, the Forward Future section features 15 debut or sophomore projects that showcase fresh energy on the global stage. These films represent the next wave of voices ready to challenge conventions and spark conversations worldwide.
“It made really bold decisions – with time, with the world, and with how you think it is. It surprised me, and I think that’s the most important,” Schäublin said during a Q&A with CGTN Digital reporter Zhang Meng.
For young global citizens and film enthusiasts alike, these emerging talents embody the spirit of innovation. Their work not only offers new perspectives on life in the Chinese mainland, but also resonates with universal themes of identity, connection, and change. By breaking traditional structures and blending genres, they’re capturing attention from business leaders, tech innovators, and culture seekers around the world.
In a world where storytelling often follows familiar paths, the Forward Future films stand out as bold experiments. Whether through nonlinear timelines or immersive soundscapes, these projects invite audiences to rethink what cinema can be. As digital nomads and changemakers seek authentic narratives, the festival’s showcase highlights why youthful creativity remains at the heart of global culture.
As BJIFF wraps up, all eyes will be on these young auteurs. Their surprising, boundary–pushing work proves that the future of cinema is not just alive—it’s ready to redefine the rules.
Reference(s):
Swiss director at BJIFF 2025: 'Bold' Chinese films surprised me
cgtn.com
