Golden Coconut Award Juror Reveals His Formula for Cinematic Magic
Award-winning director Li Ruijun, known for his heartfelt portrayals of rural life, recently opened up about his creative process while serving as a juror for the Hainan Island International Film Festival's Golden Coconut Award short film competition. 🌾 His insights? Authenticity, originality, and a deep connection to the land.
Rooted in the Land 🌾
Li, who grew up in northwest China's Hexi Corridor, told CGTN: \"I keep making films about the land I come from.\" He emphasized the lack of rural storytelling in cinema, particularly about agricultural communities like his hometown. \"If there were already many films about rural life, I would've shifted to urban themes. But these stories need to be told.\"
Mixing Actors & Realism 🎭
The director revealed his unique casting approach: blending professional actors with local residents. \"Non-professionals bring authenticity, while professionals help unlock emotional depth,\" he explained, comparing the dynamic to \"a dance between raw truth and crafted performance.\"
Short Films Need This One Thing 💡
When judging entries for the Golden Coconut Award, Li prioritized originality above all: \"The core value of any work is its ability to offer something fresh. Jurors from Europe, Asia, or China all appreciate this universal quality.\" His advice to young filmmakers? \"Find your unique voice—that's what makes cinema magic.\" 🎥
