The 16th edition of the CNEX Chinese Doc Forum (CCDF-16) is currently accepting submissions. To help creators understand the proposal process better and how to prepare, an in-person info session was held on April 22. CCDF invited two directors from the 15th edition, LEE Kang-Ling and Paul CHU, to share their pitching experiences and creative journeys with attending filmmakers.
During the session, both directors presented two versions of their trailers: the original version submitted with their initial application, and the final version developed after participating in the CCDF training workshops. The contrast between the two highlighted how mentorship and feedback from CCDF trainers helped them refine their narratives and adapt their storytelling approach for an international audience.
Director LEE Kang-ling.
Director Paul CHU.
LEE Kang-Ling’s project Echoes from Beyond follows a young female internet personality and spirit medium who faces the challenge of raising funds to build a multimillion-dollar temple within three years. The film explores her quest for spiritual balance between traditional temple culture and the world of social media. Paul CHU’s The Martial Artist tells the story of his father, a Taoist ink artist and long-time qigong practitioner, who at the age of 72 enters an amateur mixed martial arts competition—a physical journey that parallels his lifelong artistic exploration.
Both films are deeply rooted in Taiwanese society and Eastern spiritual traditions, raising the challenge of translating such culturally specific contexts into stories that resonate globally. The two directors encouraged creators to bravely explore cross-cultural storytelling and to find their own voices in the process of communicating with international audiences.
CCDF-16 is open for submissions until 23:59 (Taipei Time) on May 15, 2025. Submissions must be made through the official website. Filmmakers interested in pitching documentary projects are encouraged to apply and take the first step toward connecting their stories with the world.
The session also addressed frequently asked questions from participants. Below is a summary of key points:
Q1: What support does CCDF offer to selected projects? Is there funding involved?
- Opportunities to connect with global broadcasters, distributors, film festivals, and funding bodies.
- Participation in intensive workshops with experienced mentors and editors to strengthen storytelling.
- Potential for exchange prizes, offering direct access to international pitching forums and markets.
- Some CCDF awards include cash prizes.
- A vibrant community of like-minded creators for future collaborations.
Q2: Can early-stage projects apply?
- Yes. Projects in the research stage can apply, but a trailer is required to showcase your visual style and narrative potential.
Q3: Are there restrictions on the production stage of the film?
- Projects can be in development, production, or post-production. However, works that have been publicly released are not eligible.
Q4: Is a director-producer team required?
- Not at the submission stage. However, selected teams are strongly encouraged to bring on a producer to help coordinate and manage the project.
Q5: Are international co-productions, VR, or experimental formats using AI allowed?
- All formats are welcome, but projects involving AI-generated footage or content are discouraged due to ethical concerns in documentary practice.
Q6: Is an English-language proposal required?
- The proposal submitted at the time of application can be written in Chinese only. If selected, teams will be required to provide a bilingual (Chinese and English) proposal. Pitching sessions and training workshops can be conducted in Chinese, with professional interpreters provided for simultaneous interpretation during the official pitching forum.
- However, interactions at the event extend beyond the formal pitch. CCDF also organizes various networking and social events where teams may have the opportunity to introduce their projects in English to international industry professionals.
Q7: How should I present my budget if it might change later?
- Submit a realistic budget for discussion with potential partners. CCDF does not evaluate proposals based on budget but asks that existing funding be clearly noted.
Q8: Do I need to follow the CCDF proposal template?
- You may use your own design, but make sure to include all the required information listed in the template to ensure a complete submission.
