Hong Kong director Ann Hui and Italian critic Carlo Chatrian have been named jury presidents for the 2026 Pingyao International Film Festival Awards, enhancing the festival’s prestige.
As the Pingyao International Film Festival prepares for its 10th edition, prominent figures from the film industry have been appointed as jury presidents for two prestigious awards. Hong Kong director Ann Hui will lead the jury for the Fei Mu Awards, while Italian critic Carlo Chatrian has been appointed for the Roberto Rossellini Awards. This announcement was made on September 4, 2026, according to Variety.
The Fei Mu Awards are particularly significant as they honor the legacy of influential filmmaker Fei Mu, acknowledged by his family. The awards primarily seek to support emerging filmmakers from Chinese-speaking regions and promote the growth of Chinese-language cinema. Recipients are chosen from the Hidden Dragons section of the festival, which showcases noteworthy Chinese-language feature films.
Conversely, the Roberto Rossellini Awards, established by Fondazione Roberto Rossellini, celebrate the humanistic legacy of the renowned director. They aim to highlight outstanding work by young directors from around the globe, focusing particularly on films presented in the Crouching Tigers section.
Ann Hui, born in Anshan, China, and educated in Hong Kong, is a pivotal figure in cinema. With over 20 films to her credit, Hui's directorial works include notable titles such as "A Simple Life" and "The Golden Era." Her contributions to film have garnered her numerous accolades, including six Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Film and Best Director. She has been instrumental in shaping the Hong Kong New Wave movement and continues to inspire generations of filmmakers. Hui also holds leadership positions in various film organizations, underscoring her impact on the industry.
Carlo Chatrian has a diverse background in film criticism and festival programming, having served as artistic director for major film festivals, including Locarno and Berlinale. His expertise in the field is complemented by his current role as director of the National Museum of Cinema in Torino. Chatrian's broad experience positions him well to guide the jury for the Roberto Rossellini Awards, as he has also participated on juries for several prestigious festivals, including Sundance and Toronto.
With the 10th edition of the Pingyao International Film Festival scheduled to take place from September 24 to 30, 2026, the roles of Ann Hui and Carlo Chatrian as jury presidents are expected to heighten the festival’s profile. The selection of such highly regarded figures hints at an ambitious agenda for this year’s event, emphasizing quality and artistic merit in the films showcased.
The festival's reputation as a platform for new talent will likely be bolstered by the leadership of these esteemed jurors, who are committed to enriching the cinematic landscape. The complete lineup for the jury is expected to be announced at a later date, which has generated interest among attendees and industry watchers.
The appointment of Ann Hui and Carlo Chatrian at the Pingyao International Film Festival highlights the festival’s dedication to fostering cinematic talent while honoring the historical legacies of its award namesakes. With their extensive backgrounds and contributions to cinema, both are poised to bring significant insight and recognition to the festival's proceedings this year. Their leadership is likely to attract attention to the festival, enhancing its standing as a vital hub for filmmakers and fans alike.
For further insights into the impact of notable figures in the film industry, check out our coverage on Cate Blanchett Embraces Absurdity in ‘Alpha Gang’ Comedy and Richard O'Sullivan Passes Away at 82: Legacy of a Sitcom Pioneer.
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