The Chinese film "Gold or Shit" received three awards at the closing ceremony of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), making the comedic drama a big winner of the night. The closing ceremony saw the handing out of the festival’s most prestigious Tiantan Award.

Director Long Fei speaks as he receives the best feature film award for "Gold or Shit" at the Tiantan Award ceremony as part of the closing gala of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival held in Beijing on April 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

The film, directed by emerging filmmaker Long Fei and starring Hu Ge and Gao Yuanyuan, snatched best feature film, best supporting actress and best screenplay. The film follows a struggling young man who returns to his hometown, disrupting his family's peaceful life but prompting personal rediscovery and a pursuit of a filmmaking dream. Through a light-hearted comedic style, the motion picture addresses heavy topics such as death and failure.

"Thank you, BJIFF and jury, for giving us this award. I'm so happy because it recognizes our entire cast and crew, not just myself. I felt anxious when wrapping up shooting because I didn't want to let down everyone who worked so hard, but now I feel greatly encouraged, and I thank everyone who has helped us. Next, we will stand the test of the market; see you in theaters!" Long said.

After winning the awards, the film's producer, Maxtimes Culture, quickly announced the nationwide release date for "Gold or Shit" as June 8. This is Long Fei's first theatrical feature release.

"If it's gold, it will shine no matter what," lead actor Hu Ge said on stage, quoting a line from the movie to express his excitement about the film's win after overcame various difficulties to come to life. The heartthrob actor loved the script at first sight and was the first to agree to participate in the project.

A photo capturing hosts and performers on stage during a segment of the closing gala of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival held in Beijing on April 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

This year's Tiantan Award received a record total of 1,509 submissions from 118 countries and regions, with the winners of ten categories selected by a seven-member jury headed by Serbian director Emir Kusturica.

Veteran Chinese actor Fan Wei for his performance in the movie "Strangers When We Meet" received the award for best actor. This was the second time Fan has received this award, previously winning it in 2017 for his role in "Mr. No Problem." During his acceptance speech at this year's award ceremony, Fan described the BJIFF stage as his blessed place.

Actor Fan Wei speaks as he receives the best actor award for "Strangers When We Meet" at the Tiantan Award ceremony as part of the closing gala of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival held in Beijing on April 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Indian director Karan Tejpal's debut feature, "Stolen," also won three Tiantan awards, namely best director, best actress and best cinematography. Other notable wins included best music and best supporting actor going to the Finnish film "Death Is a Problem for the Living" and the best artistic contribution award going to the Japanese movie "All the Long Nights."

Organizers also paid tribute to the legendary Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige, 71, by presenting him with a lifetime achievement award. Chen Kaige is known for numerous Chinese classics including "Yellow Earth," "Farewell My Concubine" and "Forever Enthralled," which have significantly contributed to the development of Chinese cinema. His newest film, the sequel to the war epic "The Volunteers: To the War," will hit Chinese theaters during this year's National Day holiday in October.

Director Chen Kaige holds up his lifetime achievement award on stage at the Tiantan Award ceremony as part of the closing gala of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival held in Beijing on April 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Reflecting on his four-decade career in filmmaking, Chen described the path of a professional director as full of difficulties and challenges. Despite enduring anxiety, worries and insomnia during his projects, he hopes to encourage young filmmakers with these words: "Never give up, no matter how hard the situation you encounter may be."

The 14th BJIFF closed on Friday night with a dazzling gala filled with energetic songs and dances and nostalgic tributes, attended by hundreds of filmmakers and celebrities. During the nine-day event, more than 100 activities, including forums and the first artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) unit, were held. Audiences enjoyed over 800 screenings of more than 250 new and classic films in 27 theaters across Beijing, Tianjin municipalities and Hebei province.

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