Two films from Yiyuan county in Zibo city, Shandong province, picked up several awards at the second Hong Kong Bauhinia International Film Festival, which took place on Oct 28.

Renowned filmmaker Liang Jinzhen's film Fight to the End won "Best Small and Medium-budget Film Award".

Luo Jiaying, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the festival, conferred the award to Liang and expressed a keen interest in collaborating with him for upcoming cinematic endeavors.

Liang's other film, Follow the Dream Yihe Source, was nominated for the "Best Art Award" and the "Best Rural Vitalization Film Award".

Both films are deeply rooted in the local tales of Yiyuan.

Fight to the End depicts a historic battle in Yiyuan during China's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and celebrates the indomitable spirit of China's revolutionary ancestors.

Meanwhile, Follow the Dream Yihe Source explores the theme of rural vitalization and paints a vibrant picture of countryside transformation and the enduring Yimeng spirit in the contemporary era.

Follow the Dream Yihe Source vividly depicts the inspiring journeys of young entrepreneurs from Zibo who returned to their roots and contributed to the transformation of the local agricultural landscape. Yiyuan's success in shaping the Qilu model of rural vitalization is also portrayed in this film.

Luo Jiaying presents Liang Jinzhen with the Best Small and Medium-budget Film Award. [Photo/Dazhong News]