Reel dialogues across cultures

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the global triumph in the World Anti-Fascist War.

During this period, Chongqing in Southwest China served as the wartime capital of the Chinese government and a command center in the Far East, playing a vital role in the international fight against fascism.

To commemorate this shared history, young filmmakers from China and the United States teamed up for a unique challenge: to collaboratively produce original short films within just three days in Chongqing.

The "72-Hour Film Challenge "brought together 30 young filmmakers — 15 from each country — including film students from New York University, the American Film Institute, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Chapman University, and Chongqing University. They were joined by emerging directors, producers, cinematographers, and actors.

Notably, 13 of the 15 US participants were visiting China for the first time.

On July 11, their short films were screened at a special event in Yongchuan district, Chongqing, which also featured a dialogue session between the young filmmakers from both countries.

The challenge was part of the "Bridge of the Future" China-US Youth Exchange, held from July 4 to 11.

Participants were randomly assigned to five teams, labeled A through E. Each team explored over 20 filming locations — from urban alleyways and museums to scenic spots in the Yongchuan and Wulong districts — gathering inspiration and footage to bring their stories to life.

"The more you go out into the world, the more people you engage with, the more places you go to, the more empathetic you become — and the more you understand that, at the end of the day, we're all the same. We're all human," said Katie Mlinek from the US.

"Even though it might be in a different language in a different city, we're all trying to make the same sort of art. So being able to do that together is a beautiful thing."

"We will show the world a real, multi-dimensional, and vibrant Chongqing, hoping that these stories and images will foster new means of communication between China and the US," said Ge Yuzhong, an independent producer based in Los Angeles.