Amidst the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Pingtan, an exhilarating cinematic journey commenced as the "72-Hour Extreme Filmmaking Challenge: Starting from Pingtan" event officially launched under the auspices of the 4th IM Film Festival (IMFF). On October 10, ten dynamic filmmaking teams from prestigious universities across the nation converged on Pingtan, determined to harness their creativity within the tightest deadlines and forge a unique narrative about this charming island.

"We aspire to present Pingtan's distinctive history and culture through our lens," enthused Zhang Peng, a representative from Hebei Institute of Communication's Film and Television Arts Faculty. "Our story revolves around the theme of 'one life, one cause,' chronicling three generations' unwavering commitment to planting trees and safeguarding their homeland. Each sapling planted and its eventual growth into a towering tree embodies the spirit of intergenerational perseverance."

The challenge, a hallmark event within the festival, tasked the teams with a high-quality short film within a mere 72 hours. This stringent timeline demanded not only ingenuity but also a relentless drive to bring their visions to life, from initial concept to final cut. As the cameras rolled, Pingtan's natural wonders and humanistic charm became the canvas for these budding filmmakers' masterpieces.

"Our focus is on a young man from Pingtan who passionately plays the shakuhachi flute," shared Liu Sicong, a creative force from Zhejiang Normal University's College of Arts. "The harmonious blend of the shakuhachi's melody with the sounds of the ocean seeks to convey Pingtan's story of growth and inclusivity, as well as the timeless beauty of China's traditional culture."