Record-breaking numbers in film and VR shows

The 19th Shanghai International Film festival has just wrapped up, with a record-breaking 2,400 plus films showcased. And, for the first time at the festival, a virtual reality exhibition makes an appearance.

14 films competed for the Golden Goblet award at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival, which closed on June 19th. The best picture was awarded to 'Delan', a love story back between an ordinary loan officer and a Tibetan girl set in the 1980s. The best actor and actress went to Liu Ye in Cock and Bull, and Naomi Fujiyama in The Projects.

The film festival is also a stage for new Asian filmmakers, with 16 entrants vying for the Asian New talent Award.

"We were not trying to cater to the taste of international film festivals. My film is not a commercial film. I thank the Asian New Talent Award for providing a platform for this new concept of youth movie boasting both an attractive plot and aesthetic value. I hope my film will surprise the audience," said Liu Ziwei, director 'My heart heaps up'.

Efforts were also made to promote VR technology, with hopes that it might join hands with film industry eventually.

The VR exhibition which was held during the week of the festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors to experience virtual reality through over 60 sets of VR gadgets and 30 VR films.

"What's good today is that we push our recept button. Huge company or young artist, independent almost equals today. That's really cool, because creativity is everywhere. There are many players in China doing VR.....and have Chinese productions join international VR scene," said Salar Shahna, co-founder world VR forum.

First held in 1993, the Shanghai International Film Festival is China's only A-category film festival, and one of the biggest in East Asia. It is a solid platform for film producers, venture capitalists, critics and movie fans to interact and boost China and Asia's movie industry.