Yi Yangqianxi

When the FIRST International Film Festival unveiled its jury roster, the inclusion of 22-year-old Yi Yangqianxi (易烊千玺) sent ripples through China’s film industry. His transition from teen idol to legitimate cinematic voice culminates in this pivotal role—a testament to nine years of deliberate reinvention. As the youngest juror alongside auteurs like Chen Kaige (陈凯歌) and Zhou Xun (周迅), Yi now occupies a space reserved for those who speak film’s nuanced language. Where Artistry Overrides Algorithms Founded in 2006, the FIRST Youth Film Festival thrives as China’s counterbalance to commercial cinema. It rejects box-office metrics and celebrity economics, instead spotlighting raw, auteur-driven narratives. Previous jurors—from arthouse pioneer Wang Xiaoshuai (王小帅) to the late Tibetan director Pema Tseden—shared a common thread: uncompromising dedication to cinematic craft. Yi’s selection, therefore, defies convention. Festival organizers emphasized his “acute narrative intuition and mastery of visual grammar,” referencing his ability to dissect scripts beyond surface-level performance. His role signals FIRST’s commitment to judging films through an artistic lens, untouched by industry politics or fleeting trends. The festival’s statement further noted Yi’s “transformative physicality” across roles—a skill honed through meticulous character immersion. This aligns with FIRST’s mission to champion filmmakers who prioritize substance over spectacle. Where mainstream…

On June 24, a set of candid photos from Resurrection (狂野时代) cast’s post-festival celebration swept across social media, offering a rare glimpse into the camaraderie behind one of 2025’s most talked-about films. Taken in a cozy Parisian dining room adorned with Chinese paper-cut decorations, the images captured lead actors Yi Yangqianxi (易烊千玺), Mark Chao (赵又廷), and Huang Jue (黄觉) - alongside director Bi Gan (毕赣) - raising glasses in exuberant toast, their faces flushed with both alcohol and pride. This wasn’ just a casual meal; it was a victory lap for a film that had just rewritten Chinese cinema’s history at the Cannes Film Festival. Cannes Triumph Triggers a Hearty Feast The mood at the dinner was electric, a direct reflection of Resurrection’ landmark success. Having become the first Chinese film in a decade to win a Special Prize in Cannes’ prestigious Main Competition, the cast and crew had every reason to celebrate. “You could feel the relief and joy in the air,” one attendee later commented. “It’s not just about the trophy - it’s about proving Chinese cinema’s global voice.” Yi Yangqianxi, often known for his reserved public persona, stole the spotlight. Clad in a crisp blue shirt with…