A Global Call of the second edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival

The global call for submissions for the second edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival is now open!  We cordially invite filmmakers to submit works via FilmFreeway.

Please read this article to find out submission guidelines and the award information.

The second edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival is to be held at the Keswick Alhambra Cinema in Cumbria, the Lake District, UK, from 1st to 4th February 2024, just before the Year of the Dragon. The global call of our competition section is now open. Besides the short film section, there is a newly added feature film competition section at the 2024 MINT CFF. As before, we welcome creators of Chinese films/Chinese-themed films all over the world.

As the first women-organised independent Chinese film festival in the UK, since our inception, MINT CFF has been growing actively in a nearly saturated market, working hard to break through various barriers related to identity and culture within the international film industry and society. All relies on our curatorial ethos and vitality.

• How will we redefine the essence of Chinese cinema and the identity of Chinese filmmakers on a global scale, breach traditional boundaries, and strive to present a more diverse and inclusive vision and theme?

• How will we broaden and extend the perspective of female curatorship, and actively pursue the balance and intersection of different identities and groups and colourful cultures during the curating process?

• How will we ground in the local culture and better convey the marginalised voices, images, and stories of gender-culture diverse groups in response to the positive transformations taking place in the contemporary international film industry within the torrents of the thirteen-decade cinematic history?

MINT CFF would like to initiate fresh discussions and reconsideration of the above three topics through films, providing the soil for innovative research with our unique cultural practices.

Through the rich and inclusive medium of film, MINT CFF will continue to explore, adjust, and redefine the diverse cultural connotations of the Chinese community from an all-encompassing female perspective.Through the global call, we aim to seek powerful cinematic expressions, dig thought-provoking documentary narratives, and find burgeoning forces in films. We will be a time traveller, capturing the dynamics of the contemporary Chinese culture. We look forward to bringing diverse and outstanding Chinese films to the beautiful countryside of the UK, where filmmakers and specially invited industry and academic guests will join us to create a rare and vibrant journey of Chinese film culture for international and local audiences.

MINT CFF Competition: Call for Entries

Focusing on inclusivity and diversity, the second edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival continues to call for submissions from Chinese filmmakers and talents of Chinese cinema. The Competition comprises two sections: Feature Competition and Short Film Competition. We have invited a number of internationally renowned filmmakers, visual artists, and film industry experts to join the jury. The submissions are open to global creators of Chinese films. It is hoped that our inclusive initiatives can remove political, geographical, and other concerns of our prospective participants. We especially encourage women filmmakers and emerging film talents to submit their latest works. We also welcome experienced film artists to participate in the Competition. Our goal is to showcase a diverse range of independent and pioneering Chinese films on the big screen of the UK.

The MINT will provide shortlisted works and directors with diverse screening and networking opportunities, including but not limited to the standard theatrical screening in the UK, international promotion and special distribution, filmmakers’ interviews, thematic forums, and a series of derivative interactive activities. In addition, winners of the Competition have the chance to receive cash prizes, festival laurel in recognition, membership of Keswick Alhambra Cinema, exclusive in-depth interviews, and global touring exhibition opportunities. Works which are not shortlisted may also be selected for international screenings outside the festival period.

At the first edition of the festival, the winner of the best short (Zhizi Hao, A Firecracker Story) obtained a £300 grant from the MINT aiming to stimulate creation and support Hao’s filmmaking endeavour. Besides that, we provided all the shortlisted films with follow-up promotion opportunities, such as international screenings and interaction with audiences. Below is how last year’s shortlisted directors find their MINT experiences.

Guorong Zhang, NOSTALGIA: The MINT Chinese Film Festival attracted lots of audiences at its first edition. The viewing experience was comfortable and free-spirited. During the festival, I met many like-minded filmmakers, and we learned from each other. After the screenings of my work, I received feedback from plenty of audiences. The feedback is a mix of praise and criticism. I greatly appreciate that. Inspirations and emerging forces can only occur from the clash of different ideas. 

Yufei Liu, How I Grew Up: I am very pleased that my film was shortlisted at the first edition of MINT Chinese Film Festival. It is quite a coincidence that How I Grew Up features a lot of purple elements just as the MINT, somehow making this encounter more like a destiny. I feel grateful that the festival committee and audiences can feel the emotions conveyed through my work. May the MINT have a bright future.

Pahriya Ghalip, co-director of Hair: When the MINT touring exhibitions came to Beijing, I felt a sense of intimacy, as if the exhibition had been a gathering of friends. I met director Sha He whose work was also selected for screenings in the MINT, as well as a lovely audience. It is truly inspiring to meet other dedicated female directors. Our discussion went from motifs of creation to life experiences. We shared with each other our recent inspirations excitedly. This is one of the most significant aspects of attending a film festival.

Shihan Tan, Second Birth: The MINT’s emphasis on women’s cinema aligns well with my philosophy of filmmaking. I am delighted that my film could be shown in the UK which makes emotions to transcend national boundaries. I hope to see the MINT continue to focus on women’s issues and showcase more films dealing with them.

The second edition of MINT CFF Competition is composed of two sections: Feature Competition and Short Film Competition. Five major awards are established: Best Feature, Best Short, Jury Prize (Feature), Jury Prize (Short), and Audiences’ Choice Award.

The call for entries will close at 23:59 15th December 2023. We only accept works submitted through FilmFreeway where the submission portal is now open.

The MINT Chinese Film Festival Competition Rules and Regulations

I. Competition Entry Guidelines

1. Eligibility:

A film only needs to fulfil one of the below conditions to be eligible. Please read the conditions carefully and confirm eligibility before submitting films.

1)    The film revolves around Chinese-related themes or elements which include but are not limited to Chinese communities, Chinese stories, Chinese perspectives, Chinese diaspora, and Chinese cultural memories.

Or

2) The cast and/or crew of the film (including director, producer, and main cast) are from China or Chinese-speaking regions or identify with Chinese culture in the broadest sense.

2. Deadlines:

1) Regular deadline: 23:59 15th November 2023 (GMT).

2) Specially extended deadline: 23:59 15th December 2023 (GMT)

*The festival recommends prospective participants to submit their films as early as possible to allow the festival selection committee and the jury enough time for viewing, assessing, and discussing the films.

3. Steps of Registration and Submission:

1) The festival only accepts films submitted via FilmFreeway.

1.1）Click the ‘Submit on FilmFreeway’ button above or the link below to enter the submission page.

Official Registration and Submission link: https://filmfreeway.com/MINTChinesefilmfestival

1.2）Successful registration requires providing information and materials and submitting films as per instructions.

2) Please Note:

2.1) Prospective participants should provide comprehensive film information and relevant materials as per the requirements listed on the submission page. Missing important information will affect the selection process. Please only provide commonly used email addresses and telephone numbers for submission.

2.2）Please do not submit more than one work.

2.3) The festival requests participants to tick the option ‘Festivals may download my video upon my permission’ on FilmFreeway to allow follow-up contact regarding selection or other screening and networking opportunities.

2.4) Should you be unsure about your film’s eligibility and have any questions, please consult the festival team promptly before the Call for Entries’ final deadline (15th December 2023) via email: mintcffteam@gmail.com

II. Submission Requirements

1.     Production Time:

1) Feature films must not be produced earlier than 2021.

2) Short films must not be produced earlier than 2022.

2.     Format:

2.1) Films submitted should have a minimum resolution of 1920×1080p.

2.2) Should the film be selected, please ensure to submit a copy for official screening (either DCP or MP4 file with a resolution of 1920×1080p in H. 264) at least one week before the festival’s opening.

2.3) Should the film be selected, participants need to actively cooperate with festival staff at least two weeks before the opening to provide relevant promotion materials in both English and Chinese, including but not limited to official high-resolution posters and stills, trailers, Q&A with directors, and/or introduction videos. (Resolution and format requirements for video materials are the same as above.)

* Shortlisted directors who need translation service due to special reasons should contact festival staff by email in advance.

3.     Length:

3.1) Feature films: no less than 60 minutes.

3.2) Short films: no more than 30 minutes.

4.     Genre and Content:

4.1) A wide range of genres and schools are accepted, such as drama, narrative film, experimental films, animations, documentaries, artists’ moving images, film series (single episodes), essay films, and poetic films.

4.2) The festival does not accept advertisements, culture and tourism promotion videos, public information films, music videos, personal vlogs, and marketing clips.

5.     Subtitles:

5.1) Embedded English subtitles are required for non-English films. Should the film be selected, embedded bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) subtitles are required for Chinese-speaking films. (*It is recommended that all films prepare bilingual subtitles in English and Mandarin Chinese .)

5.2) In case of special circumstances, prospective participants may send the required SRT subtitle files to festival staff via email.

III. Selection Criteria

1. Selection Dimensions: The assessment will be based on five dimensions which are production quality, film aesthetics, narrative structures, originality of expression, and thematic alignment (e.g., alignment with themes of this global call and the festival’s vision).

2. Selection Procedure: Once submitted, all eligible films will first be reviewed in one or two rounds by youth volunteers selected by the festival. Next, those films will be forwarded to the selection committee for further assessment. Films selected by the committee will be passed on to the jury for final assessment. The shortlists for Feature Competition and Short Film Competition will be announced through official channels on or around 20th January. Winners of Best Feature, Best Short Film, Jury Prize (Feature), and Jury Prize (Short Film) decided by the jury will be announced on site during the festival and posted online subsequently. Additionally, there will be an offline audience vote during the festival. The film winning the most votes will be presented the Audiences’ Choice Award.

3. Result Announcement: The festival will notify corresponding Competition participants of shortlisted films via email after the selection procedure concludes. Please ensure to check the emails used for submission regularly. The shortlists will be announced on the formal platform of the festival before official screenings.

IV: Event Rules

1.     Obligations and Rights

1)  For the Festival:

1.1) The festival shall keep all entry content confidential, and only use it upon permission from Competition participants.

1.2) The festival may promote and screen all entries during the festival. With the consent of Competition participants, the festival may promote and screen the entries outside the festival.

2) For Competition Participants:

2.1) Competition participants shall commit that they possess full intellectual property rights of the entries worldwide or have obtained written authorization from right holders. They shall also commit that they can exercise the aforementioned rights in accordance with all submission rules. Competition participants own and have the right to exercise the entries.

2.2) Competition participants shall guarantee the legality of the entries. The entries may not violate laws and regulations in both the UK and China, infringe copyright and other rights and interests of others, or breach legitimate rights of any third party.

2. Declaration:

1) The festival does not charge screening fees from or offer subsidies to shortlisted participants. Submission of short film is free before the regular deadline. Please see FilmFreeway for the fee information.

2) All submission fees collected by the festival will be used to support the organization and operation of the Competition and as cash prizes.

3) Entries shall be original. There shall be no intellectual property disputes. Competition participants shall be the lawful copyright holders of the entries and prepared to provide screening authorization in written form as required by the festival if needed.

4) Films submitted after the final deadline will be excluded from the selection procedure. All eligible entries may not be withdrawn from the Competition or the screenings at will.

5) All those who complete the Competition submission are considered to acknowledge and accept the festival rules and regulations. The festival reserves the ultimate right to interpret all terms and any matter not covered herein.

V. Shortlisted Films

1. Awards and Opportunities

1) Shortlisted films will have the opportunity to compete for the five major awards: Best Feature, Best Short Film, Jury Prize (Feature), Jury Prize (Short Film), and Audiences’ Choice Award.

2) The festival will provide shortlisted works and directors with diverse screening and networking opportunities, including but not limited to standard theatrical screenings in the UK, international promotion and marketing, thought exchange with other filmmakers, thematic forums, and a series of derivative interactive activities.

* Winners of the Competition have the chance to receive cash prizes, festival laurel in recognition, membership of Keswick Alhambra Cinema, exclusive in-depth interviews, and global touring exhibition opportunities. Works which are not shortlisted may also be selected for international screenings outside the festival.

2. Screening Copy

Screening copies should be DCP or MP4 files with a resolution of 1920×1080p in H. 264.

3. Publicity Materials

After a film is shortlisted, its entry information provided on FilmFreeway and promotional materials submitted will be used on the festival official website, on the official website of the festival’s partner cinema, and in online and offline media promotion. The festival is entitled to edit and publicly use film introduction information presented through festival official channels. In case of missing and incorrect information or materials during the submission stage, they should be submitted or corrected after the films are shortlisted.

4. Filmmaker Participation

After a film is shortlisted, the festival will contact corresponding Competition participants to discuss their participation in the screenings, post-screening discussions, and other arranged events during the festival.

5. Premiere Status

Once a film is shortlisted, public screenings which will affect the film's premiere status at the festival are not allowed.

6. Screening Schedule

All shortlisted films will have at least one public screening during the festival. Screening time, dates, and venues are entirely at the discretion of the festival. The final schedule is subject to festival official announcements via email or other social media.

7. Festival Laurel

After a film is shortlisted and/or awarded, the festival will provide corresponding laurel. The film must incorporate the laurel in all formal copies and subsequent promotional materials. Modifying the laurel is strictly prohibited.

Jury:

 Feature Film Competition Jury

Federica Pugliese: independent film programmer, film marketer

Lianlian Shen: independent film director and screenwriter

Monica Gyamlani: senior film curator, international film project developer

Katharina Lüdin: shortlisted director of Locarno Film Festival

Paul Sng: filmmaker; 2022/23 BAFTA Breakthrough artist.

Pengyuan Gu: film festival curator, Blu-ray producer and distributor 

Short Film Competition Jury (Confirmed)

Aziza Kadyri: interdisciplinary (theatre, film, performance, and AR/VR) artist

Emory Chao Johnson: shortlisted short film director of Berlinale; filmmaker

Emily May Jampel: director, actress, film programmer/curator

Brielle YuKe Li: independent film producer

Veronica Nuccitelli: youth film critic, film marketer

Selection Committe ：

Carol Rennie

David Miller

Dr Peize Li

Dr Zhaoyu Zhu

Jiarui Guo

Pengyuan Gu

Simyun Li

Shiying Liu

Yixiang Shirley Lin

Festival Team：

Co-founder & Lead Curator: Yixiang Shirley Lin

Co-founder & Director of Keswick Alhambra Cinema: Carol Rennie

Festival Coordinator & Co-curator : Simyun Li

Curators’ Assistant: Zilue Zhang

Panel Specialist(intern): Shiying LIU

Market and Communication Specialist(intern): Jianing Wang

Chief Designer: Jane Yu

Marketing Designer (intern): Boting Hao

Photographer & Editor: Shaoyang Wang

Translator: Yingjie Wang

Media Partnership:

All global media friends are welcomed to contact us.

For media partnership, please contact pressmintcff@gmail.com (Jianing Wang)

Brand Partnership & Sponsorship:

Co-founders and the curation team of the MINT Chinese Film Festival are currently raising funds for competition rewards and festival organization. We welcome individuals, teams, brands, and advertisers passionate about film or supportive of cross-cultural communication of Chinese cinema to contact us.

For brand partnership, sponsorship, and donation, if in English, please contact carol.marion.rennie@gmail.com (Carol Rennie); if in Chinese, please contact yixiangshirleylin@outlook.com (Yixiang Shirley Lin).

Inaugural MINT CFF and Past Activities

3rd to 5th February 2023 – The Inaugural MINT Chinese Film Festival

29th April 2023 – MINT Beijing Special Screening

12th May 2023 – MINT Paris Special Screening

2nd to 4th June 2023 – MINT CFF X Lighthouse Art Film Exhibition (London)

19th to 20th July 2023 – MINT CFF X Lighthouse Art Queer Film Exhibition (London)