The 3rd International University Students New Media Culture Festival was held over the weekend, playing host to 1,200 film submissions from over 100 universities across China.
Topics such pollution, suicide and traditional culture were presented in the numerous works that were created by filmmakers with varying perspectives.
The grand-prize winner was a 13-minute documentary course assignment by Da Yijun from Huaqiao University called "Nan yin and Yayi." The documentary's narrative serves as a showcase for the Fujian folk music "Nan yin" and its performer Cai Yayi.
The winning student explained that, "through the life and teaching process of Ms. Cai, we hope more people can understand and fall in love with 'Nan yin' along with the elegant lifestyle it conveys."
The success of "Nan yin" is an indication of the increasing popularity of the "micro film" format that can be found throughout China. Micro films are short film pieces that are meant to be viewed on digital devices--namely, computers, tablets, phablets and handsets.
The format has received praise for broadening access to the film medium for aspiring filmmakers, who can produce a micro film without the support of major studios or funding bodies.
However, speaking with the CRO English website at the festival, Beijing Film Academy's Ma Yiming said that ongoing challenges need to be acknowledged, as the 10,000 yuan that is typically required for the production of a micro film is still a considerable amount.
Ma further explained: "Another issue is the lack of platform or resources. We have no idea where to play and sell our film in order to earn money for the next one."