The "Young Coconut Project" Pitching Training Camp is a short film pitching unit launched at this year's Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF). As a core film industry event, it supports young directors in shooting short films, provides young creators with the opportunity to start shooting immediately, helps the short film dreams of young filmmakers solidly take root, and empowers the new forces of Chinese-language cinema and even world cinema.
Registration for the "Young Coconut Project" Pitching Training Camp is ongoing and will officially close at 24:00 on September 6. To facilitate registration, a series of answers to frequently asked questions is provided below.
Q1: What can be gained if a project is selected?
· Representatives of the Top 15 short film projects will be invited to participate in the Beijing Mentor Workshop and the Hainan study and scouting tour. HIIFF will cover the relevant expenses for the Hainan itinerary.
· The Top 8 short film projects will receive financial support of 120,000 RMB per project (pre-tax) for film production, as well as other industry resource support.
· After the shooting of the Top 8 short films is completed, they will be officially promoted during the festival. Project representatives will be formally invited as guests of the Hainan Island International Film Festival to participate in forums and other events, and enjoy corresponding privileges.
Q2: What is the specific schedule of activities?
· We will invite renowned industry creators to serve as project reviewers, and announce the list of the Top 15 selected projects in early September. Meanwhile, we will invite senior filmmakers to serve as creative mentors, hold the Beijing Mentor Workshop, the Hainan study tour, and the final pitch roadshow events in mid-to-late September, and ultimately announce the list of the Top 8 finalists.
· The production and shooting of the Top 8 projects will take place from October to December.
· During the festival from December 4 to December 10, the Young Coconut Honors will be awarded, and events such as the "Young Coconut Project" Forum will be held.
· Applicants are advised to reserve sufficient time in advance for the above schedule of activities.
Q3: What are the requirements for registration?
· It must be a short film project (estimated duration of 15-20 minutes) that has not yet started shooting.
· At least one key creative (director, screenwriter, or producer) must hold Chinese nationality, and the primary dialogue language must be Chinese.
· There must be a confirmed director and producer, and both the director and the producer must have completed at least one short film work.
Q4: I want to shoot a feature film. Can I submit my project?
This year's festival does not have a feature film pitching unit, but we welcome feature film projects to shoot a pilot short film through the "Young Coconut Project" Pitching Training Camp to help advance the subsequent feature film project.
Q5: Can I apply if I have no prior shooting experience?
We do not require feature film shooting experience, but the director and producer must have completed at least one short film work.
Q6: Is there an age limit for applicants?
We encourage youth creation; as long as you are 18 years of age or older, you can register.
Q7: I am overseas. Can I apply?
Of course! However, if your project passes the selection, you will need to come to mainland China to participate in the subsequent offline activities. Please note that the registered project requires at least one key creative (director, screenwriter, or producer) to hold Chinese nationality, and the primary dialogue language must be Chinese.
Q8: What is the maximum number of projects one person can submit?
There is no limit, but in principle, an applicant will have a maximum of only one project selected.
Q9: Are there genre restrictions or preferences for submitted projects?
There are no genre restrictions or fixed preferences for submitted projects. We support artistic expression and also look forward to genre possibilities.
Q10: I am a screenwriter. Can I submit my own script to apply?
Yes, but the short film project must have a confirmed director and producer. You can assemble your own team and apply after confirming the director and producer.
Q11: How do I register?
· Applicants need to visit the official website of the Hainan Island International Film Festival (www.hiiff.net) to register and log in to an account, and then apply through the "Film Industry - Young Coconut Project" channel.
· Fill in the complete information as required and submit it. Please ensure that the contact information provided is authentic and valid. After submission, our staff will review the materials, and once approved, it will show "Registration Passed".
Q12: What materials are required for registration?
Required materials:
1. Story synopsis and director's statement;
2. Complete short film script;
3. Director's resume and works, producer's resume and works;
Optional materials:
1. Project proposal;
2. Other relevant materials.
Q13: Is there a fee for registration?
To ensure the quality of short film projects, a registration fee is required. The early bird registration phase ended at 24:00 on August 5. The current registration fee is 200 RMB per project.
Q14: When and how will I know the selection results?
The selection results will be announced in early September on the official website of the Hainan Island International Film Festival and its official WeChat account (HIIFF Hainan Island International Film Festival). Prior to this, the staff will notify and confirm via phone or email. Please keep your contact information accessible and accurate. If there are any changes, please be sure to inform us in advance.
Q15: Other questions
If you have any further questions, you are welcome to leave a message below or consult our staff via email, and we will answer you as soon as possible.
Film Industry Working Group Email: industry@hiiff.net
