Tang Li 654030846@qq.com EMBRACING creativity and diversity, a selection of short films mesmerized audiences at the Broadway Cinematheque in Nanshan District. Six visionary films, part of the “FIRST Public Programming” project, were unveiled to a curious and enthusiastic crowd Saturday. The films — “The Six,” “Thirteenth Night,” “How I Grew Up,” “Pink Flag,” “Where Ants Sleep at Night,” and “Arena” — were winners of the FIRST International Film Festival 2024. Ranging from five to 22 minutes in duration, each film brought a unique flavor of artistry, genre, and filmmaking technique to the screen. Following the screening, “The Six” director Chen Lianhua and “Pink Flag” director Wu Xichen graced the stage, engaging with the audience to share the inspirations and intricacies behind their works. “The Six” is about a man, a woman, and a crane, in six repeating scenes. It is a computer-generated paper-cutting cartoon and is the director’s aesthetic attempt on loop animations. “Pink Flag” narrates the story of a 10-year-old girl’s fearless pursuit of the pink flag in wedding ceremonies, a symbolic representation of her quest to prove her “capability” in the hope of her missing mother’s return. This poignant journey of self-discovery leads her on a path of confusion and growth. Among the other experimental shorts showcased, “Thirteenth Night” presents a narrative solely through phone call voices, depicting the disruption of a woman’s life by an unknown force after she receives a call from her late fiancé. “How I Grew Up,” an animated film, delves into a profound observation of emotional growth. “Where Ants Sleep at Night” is a black-and-white dance drama depicting individuals moving mechanically like ants until a disruptive pigeon introduces chaos into their routine. “Arena,” an English short film, portrays a young woman drawing a window on the wall symbolizing an escape from confinement. Director Wu shared his inspiration for “Pink Flag,” saying, “In my hometown, one wedding custom involved children scrambling for a pink flag. I noticed that no girls ever participated, leading to a collective unconsciousness in the village. This absence inspired the vivid image of a flag-scrambling girl in my mind.” On the other hand, director Chen expressed his view on “The Six,” noting, “Whether or not you grasp the plot, the film aims to provide a pleasant experience.” This year’s “FIRST Public Programming” initiative is a collaboration between the FIRST International Film Festival Committee and Nespresso, the world’s leading coffee capsule provider. This tour aims to bring young filmmakers’ works to broader audiences in cities and colleges across China, sparking imagination and nurturing the next generation of cinematic storytellers. | 