SIFF ING | Meet the Mentors: Rising Young Filmmakers Power Up the "Mobile Filmmaking Camp"

Today, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival officially announced the lineup of mentors for the “Mobile Filmmaking Camp” of  2026 SIFF ING Section (hereinafter referred to as the “Camp").

Zhuo YiQian, Qu ChuXiao, and Gao WeiZhe (in order of Chinese name character stroke count) have been appointed as mentors for the “Camp”. Drawing on their diverse professional perspectives, they will provide multi-dimensional support to help the selected filmmakers transform their creative concepts into finished short films all captured on iPhone.

Additionally, each of the three mentors will film on iPhone. These three heartfelt works will be screened offline during the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, joining the outstanding works of the 10 selected filmmakers from the “Camp” to collectively showcase the vibrant expression of mobile filmmaking!

As one of the key initiatives of the Shanghai International Film Festival dedicated to supporting young filmmakers, SIFF ING consistently focuses on “new technologies” “new perspectives” and “new generations”, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and providing a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their work and grow. This year, SIFF ING launches the brand-new Mobile Filmmaking Camp, breaking free from the constraints of traditional filming equipment to empower young filmmakers to explore more possibilities in filmmaking through more flexible and diverse approaches by an iPhone.

SIFF ING

2026 "Mobile Filmmaking Camp" Mentor Team

Nick Cheuk, Member of Hong Kong Screenwriters' and Film Directors' Guild, screenwriter for Hong Kong film ‘Paradox’, creative director for 38th Hong Kong Film Awards. Between 2023-2024, he was nominated for Best Director at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival Asian New Talent Awards for the film Time Still Turns The Pages. He has received nominations for three editing and two screenwriting awards across the Asian Film Awards, and Hong Kong Film Awards. Won Best New Director awards at the 17th Asian Film Awards, 2023 Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Annual Awards, and 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards.

"For lovers of filmmaking, from film school students to professional filmmakers, people have always sought to capture and create as much as possible with the lightest gear. From 8mm film cameras to lightweight DV camcorders, and now to mobile phones, every generation does the same. It is as if this passion has always been inherent in the blood of every filmmaker. "

Qu ChuXiao, born in 1994, is a Chinese actor who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama. His notable works include the films The Wandering Earth, Love Will Tear Us Apart, The Breaking Ice, Shining for One Thing, Gift from a Cloud, and the television series Shining for One Thing, Bloody Romance, and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace.

"Filmmaking needs no reason. "

Gao Weizhe, Director of Photography, Member and Executive Director of the Chinese Society of Cinematographers (CNSC). Notable Works: My People, My Country, The Sacrifice, The Pioneer, Black Dog, Burning Stars, DONGJI RESCUE, Apple Chinese New Year Short Film – "Meet You". Won: 17th Oostende, 69th Valladolid, 2024 Vashon Best Cinematography.

"In an era where AI can generate any scene, mobile filmmaking has become an anchor of ‘reality’. Portable, immediate, and free from excessive algorithmic embellishment, it preserves the most precious sense of presence and originality of cinematic creation. I want to use my mobile phone to capture what AI can never replace — the most direct and honest encounters between people and the world. "

This June, let us embrace a cinematic journey—

Take mobile phones as the lens and witness new expressions of imagery!

28th Shanghai International Film Festival

SIFF ING Section

SIFF ING aims to tap the creative potential and enthusiasm of young filmmakers in the new era, providing a broader platform for young filmmakers and bringing together fresh, eclectic young creative forces from different cultural backgrounds.