Facing the Taiwan Straits, Pingtan is China's only comprehensive pilot zone for cross-Straits integration and is positioned as the country's second International Tourism Island. In recent years, it has also emerged as a platform for nurturing young filmmakers, led by the Pingtan In Moments Film Festival.

Still from Will It Rain Again Today

Director Huang Zhouhang, a past award winner at the festival, has now gained international recognition. His short film Will It Rain Again Today has been selected for La Cinef, the student competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

Scene from the third Pingtan In Moments Film Festival

The Pingtan In Moments Film Festival (PTIMFF) is dedicated to supporting emerging Chinese-language filmmakers worldwide. Combining competitions, forums, training camps and screenings, it provides a professional platform for young creators to develop their craft and gain industry exposure.

La Cinef, established in 1998, is one of the official sections of the Cannes Film Festival and focuses on student films from film schools around the world. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious platforms for emerging filmmakers. Each year, it draws thousands of submissions. Huang's film is among the two Chinese-language entries selected this year, alongside Our Secrets by Lan Ti.

Will It Rain Again Today is set in a factory on the outskirts of a city, where workers from different countries and backgrounds perform repetitive tasks. After an ID inspection, a young Chinese worker surnamed Wang becomes aware of the difficulties faced by Leila, a young woman from Turkey. His attempt to help her unfolds in ways that are both awkward and ultimately futile, yet a subtle connection forms between them.

Director Huang Zhouhang at the third Pingtan In Moments Film Festival

For Huang, the Cannes selection marks the next step in his creative journey. At the third Pingtan In Moments Film Festival, his earlier short Day in, Day out received the Kylin New Talent Award for narrative short films.

Accepting the award at the time from actor Wu Ke-xi and director Li Ruijun, Huang said, "Thanks to my family and friends for supporting me and making this leap possible, and to everyone who helped bring this small dream to life."

Upon hearing the news of his Cannes selection, Huang shared his excitement and expressed gratitude to the festival, noting that Will It Rain Again Today was completed with support gained through the platform.

The festival continues to support young filmmakers and foster new creative voices. As organizers put it, "The power of film begins with the courage to express, and grows through persistence and clarity."

The 79th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23 in France. From the sea breeze of Pingtan to the shores of Cannes, a new generation of filmmakers is bringing their stories to audiences around the world.