The opening ceremony of the 2021 Xiamen short film week - 2021HiShorts! - kicked off in Siming district, the coastal city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province on Dec 24, and had nearly 200 TV and film insiders in attendance.

The film week will run until Jan 1, hold six major events such as a main competition, film panoramas and forums, and is expected to offer a chance for guests and young?directors to share and exchange views on the development of the film industry.

Yan Yuexi, head of the publicity department of Siming, said at the opening ceremony that in recent years Siming has rolled out a slew of targeted policies and measures to promote the development of the TV and film industry. The short film week will provide a new growth engine for Siming’s high-quality development.

Wang Xiaoman, the?curator?of the event,?said that this year's short film week has included more colorful activities such as lyre-playing, chess, calligraphy and painting, aiming to meet the diversified needs of different audiences.

Wang added that efforts have also been made to promote the event internationally, and international judges were invited to take part in the event.

Yan Yuexi, head of the publicity department of Siming, makes a speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The opening ceremony of the 2021 Xiamen short film week - 2021HiShorts! - kicks off in Siming district on Dec 24. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Xiaoman, the?curator?of the event, gives a warm welcoming at the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Judges pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Xiamen short film week, which will run until Jan 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]