Li Ruijun, a celebrated contemporary director known for his distinctive style and perspective, recently served as a juror for the 6th Hainan Island International Film Festival’s (HIIFF) Golden Coconut Award short film competition. With six feature films and numerous international accolades to his name, Li shared his insights into what makes a great film.
Films Rooted in Hometown Narratives
“I keep making films about the land I come from,” Li expressed, emphasizing his deep connection to his rural upbringing. Growing up in the countryside, he became intimately familiar with agricultural life, often assisting with farm work during school breaks. This immersion fostered a unique perspective that he feels is underrepresented in cinema.
“There are very few films about rural life, especially from places like the Hexi Corridor, where I come from,” he noted. “The more I thought about it, the more I felt the need to share the stories of people from my region. It’s a place and way of life that deserves more attention. As a filmmaker, I feel it’s my duty to portray it.”
Authenticity Through Balanced Casting
Discussing his approach to capturing the essence of rural life, Li highlighted the importance of blending professional actors with non-professionals. “Balancing professional actors with common people is the key to capturing the authentic feel of rural life,” he said.
Li explained that while professional actors bring skill and emotional depth, non-professional actors offer genuine authenticity that enriches the film’s realism. “The authenticity of non-professional actors can soften the forced nature of professional actors’ performances,” he shared. “It’s about achieving harmony between both sets of individuals.”
Championing Originality in Cinema
When evaluating short films, Li places immense value on originality. “The most important thing is originality. The core value of any work of art is its ability to offer something fresh and unique,” he stated.
He believes that regardless of cultural backgrounds, audiences and jurors alike appreciate emotionally compelling stories that present new audiovisual techniques or perspectives. “We want to see something moving, with a strong sense of originality,” Li affirmed. “So, I think there aren’t many differences with these.”
Li Ruijun’s dedication to sharing authentic stories from his homeland and his commitment to originality continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
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Golden Coconut Award juror Li Ruijun shares criteria for great films
cgtn.com
