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Panda Vision International Film Festival for talented youth,

hosted by the Cogdel School Chengdu

Official Regulations

Introduction

In response to young creators’ growing passion for film and digital media, Cogdel School Chengdu proudly presents the Panda Vision International Film Festival. Designed as a dynamic platform for emerging filmmakers across China, the festival celebrates creative storytelling, innovative expression, and diverse student voices. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and enhance media literacy and artistic confidence among youth.

Our Objectives

  • Showcase Talent: Offer high school students and budding filmmakers a stage to share original works with a broad audience.

  • Inspire Learning: Promote film as a powerful tool for education, self-expression, and social awareness.

  • Build Community: Connect students, educators, families, industry experts, and local residents through the art of cinema.

  • Recognize Excellence: Honor outstanding young filmmakers with awards, scholarships, and mentorship support.

Organizing Committee

The festival is organized by Cogdel School Chengdu.

Event dates and location are updated annually and detailed in the festival Appendix.

Eligibility

Filmmakers must have been 19 years of age or younger at the time of their film’s production.

Submission Guidelines

  • Applicants must complete and submit the official entry form to the Organizing Committee. Submission implies consent for the film to be screened during the Final Round.

  • Films must comply with category-specific duration limits and should be completed no earlier than January 2024. All entries must be submitted at least one month before the festival opens (see Appendix). Exceptions for films completed more than three years prior may be noted in the Appendix.

  • A maximum of two films per author or rights holder may be submitted.

  • All non-English or non-Chinese dialogue must include English or Chinese subtitles.

  • The Committee reserves the right to screen selected films at festival-related events without compensation. Films withdrawn from the Final Round will be disqualified from competition.

  • Final selection is determined by the Selection Committee, and decisions are not subject to appeal.

Competition Categories

Films may be entered in only one of the following categories:

  • Narrative Film: Live-action fiction (e.g., drama, comedy) with a runtime of 3–12 minutes.

  • Documentary: Short non-fiction works (5–15 minutes) exploring local or global topics.

  • Experimental Film: Innovative and non-traditional works under 10 minutes in length.

  • One-Minute Film: Compact storytelling in 60 seconds or less (including credits). All genres except music videos and ads are welcome.

Note: PSAs, commercials, and trailers are not eligible.

Invitations

All selected participants will receive a formal invitation from the festival organizers.

Participant Support

PVIFF is committed to offering a welcoming and well-supported experience for all official selections.

  • International Participants: Receive visa invitation letters and shuttle service from Chengdu airports (CTU/TFU) and main train stations.

  • Domestic Participants: Complimentary shuttle service from downtown Chengdu, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), and train stations.

Accommodation & Meals

For all shortlisted filmmakers, PVIFF will provide:

  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Anren Old Town (35 km from Chengdu, near the festival venue).

  • Accommodation is limited to:

    • 2 domestic participants per selected film (1 hotel room).

    • 4 international participants maximum per selected film (2 hotel rooms).

  • All meals provided in Cogdel School Chengdu canteen throughout the festival.

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*The Panda Vision International Film Festival (PVIFF) will not cover transportation expenses (such as air, train, or bus tickets) to and from Chengdu, nor accommodation outside the official festival dates. All participants are responsible for covering these expenses themselves.

Media Participation

Media representatives must apply for accreditation by the annual deadline specified in the Appendix. Accredited press receive access to all festival events. Special guests are hosted under terms arranged by the Organizing Committee.

Jury

An independent jury composed of film directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, editors, and other industry experts will evaluate the competition films. The jury operates without a chairperson, and all members agree not to disclose opinions about submitted works before the closing ceremony.

Awards

  • Best Film (per category): Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, One-Minute Film

  • Special Achievement Awards: Editing, Directing, Acting, Cinematography

  • Grand Prize: Best film in competition

  • Grand Jury Prize: Second best film in competition

  • Audience Choice Award: Voted on-site by attendees

Final Provisions

By submitting a film, participants agree to abide by all regulations stated herein. This document serves as the primary reference for any disputes related to festival participation.

For further information, please contact Festival Organizing Committee

+86 188 9260 4470

info.gpff@cogdel.com

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