Over 400 film directors, actors, and industry luminaries gather in Yantai on June 1 for the 2024 Chinese Film Directors' Night. [Photo/WeChat account: yantaifabu]

Yantai in East China's Shandong province witnessed a grand gathering of over 400 film directors, actors, and industry luminaries on June 1 for the prestigious 2024 Chinese Film Directors' Night.

After a four-year hiatus, the event marked a significant convergence in the Chinese film director community, aiming to uplift industry morale, foster the growth of Chinese film directors, and recognize outstanding Chinese-language films and industry professionals.

The star-studded red carpet segment featured esteemed directors such as Zhang Yimou, Han Sanping, and Guo Fan, as well as film crews from acclaimed movies like The Eight Hundred, Impasse, and Home Coming.

During the event, the China Film Directors' Guild unveiled 10 distinguished awards to honor outstanding directors, actors, screenwriters, and films.

Renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou attends the 2024 Chinese Film Directors' Night on June 1. [Photo/WeChat account: yantaifabu]

The China Film Directors' Guild, a professional body with members from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, hosted the event outside Beijing for the first time, upgrading from its annual awards ceremony. 

As one of the oldest trading ports in northern China, Yantai has a deep-rooted connection with the evolution of Chinese cinema. In 1898, an American missionary introduced films to Yantai, marking the city's first encounter with the cinematic world.

In recent years, Yantai has emerged as a favored destination for film and television productions due to its pleasant climate, scenic coastal vistas, and captivating cultural heritage. The successful hosting of this event will further boost Yantai's appeal as a shooting locale.