Ann Hui and Carlo Chatrian to Lead Pingyao International Film Festival Juries

The Pingyao International Film Festival has appointed acclaimed Hong Kong director Ann Hui as the head of the Fei Mu Awards jury, and distinguished Italian critic and programmer Carlo Chatrian as the head of the Roberto Rossellini Awards jury. This announcement precedes the festival's milestone 10th iteration, set to take place in Pingyao, China, from September 24 to 30.

The Fei Mu Awards, endorsed by Fei Mu's family, are dedicated to perpetuating his artistic legacy. These awards are designed to champion burgeoning filmmakers from Chinese-speaking territories and foster the growth of Chinese-language cinema. Selections for these accolades are drawn from Chinese-language feature films featured in the Hidden Dragons section. Concurrently, the Roberto Rossellini Awards were instituted by the Fondazione Roberto Rossellini to honor the director's humanistic vision. These awards commend outstanding cinematic works and their emerging directors, advocating for film as a profound art form. Recipients are chosen from the international emerging directors showcased in the Crouching Tigers section.

Ann Hui, born in Anshan, China, and raised in Hong Kong, is a celebrated film director with a master's degree from the University of Hong Kong. After training at the London Film School, she began her career in 1975 as an assistant to director King Hu. Her directorial debut, "The Secret" (1979), marked her as a pivotal figure in the Hong Kong New Wave. Her extensive filmography, including works like "Summer Snow," "A Simple Life," and "The Golden Era," has garnered her numerous accolades, including six Hong Kong Film Awards for best film and best director. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Film Awards in 2011 and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2020. Carlo Chatrian, a journalist, author, and programmer from Torino, has a rich background in film criticism. He served as artistic director for the Locarno Film Festival from 2013–2018 and the Berlinale from 2020–2024. Currently, he leads the National Museum of Cinema in Torino and is a member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Italian Cinema. The festival organizers have indicated that the complete lineup of jury members will be unveiled at a later date.

These appointments signify a continued commitment to cinematic artistry and cultural exchange. Such festivals provide invaluable platforms for diverse voices and innovative storytelling, enriching the global film landscape and inspiring future generations of filmmakers to explore new creative horizons.