On October 10, the 4th IM Film Festival kicked off with the launch of "Growth Through Endurance," a program that connects film professionals from both sides of the Taiwan Straits with up-and-coming filmmakers. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers while promoting cross-cultural collaboration within the film industry.

The theme of the event, "What kind of creators and works are needed today to honor cinema and engage audiences?" echoed throughout the opening ceremony, setting the stage for in-depth workshops and discussions.

It features a distinguished lineup of mentors, including seasoned industry veterans like Liao Qingsong, A Mei, Huang Maochang, Huang Xufeng, and Yang Chao. Ten aspiring filmmakers were selected from a pool of 256 applicants to pitch their innovative projects, which cover various stages of film production from scriptwriting to post-production.

One of the selected filmmakers, screenwriter Li Wanlin, shared details about her project, My Secondhand Lover, a story about two frugal individuals finding love amidst the challenges of consumer downsizing."The script is in its final stage, and with the help of our mentors, we hope to perfect it. I'm looking forward to the masterclasses and personal guidance that will enhance our storytelling," Li expressed.

Throughout the camp, mentors will provide personalized guidance tailored to each project, offering valuable advice on script refinement, film editing, and production techniques. Public lectures and one-on-one coaching sessions are designed to help participants balance creative expression with commercial viability.

"The creativity and energy brought by these young filmmakers reflect the spirit of today's vibrant creative community," noted Huang Xufeng, founder, CEO, and lead producer of Factory Gate Films. "We are dedicated to supporting their growth and helping them succeed."

A key event of the program is the Growth Through Endurance proposal session, set for October 13, where the selected projects will be presented to a panel of industry experts, including representatives from platforms, distributors, and production companies. This session offers creators invaluable feedback and opportunities for collaboration.