"It (the festival) gave me an opportunity that many screenwriters can only dream of," he tells China Daily during an interview on the sidelines of the event.

While his success proves that the festival is an opportunity for newbies seeking financiers, statistics from the organizers show that aspirants this year will face a huge number of rivals.

Gao Shouzhi, founder of showbiz research group Entgroup, says that there are 674 hopefuls vying for support at this year's "Project Pitches", up 48 percent year on year.

Beijing-based Entgroup works with the festival's organizers in the Beijing film market, where the pitching event is a highlight.

Speaking of the market, Gao says: "The market has gained recognition from big industry players in recent years. It has gradually become a platform for newbie filmmakers."

As for the type of tales that are pitched, sci-fi stories have seen practically no presence in the past years, but this year sees a big rise, with 13.4 percent of the pitches coming from this genre.

"It shows a new trend," says Gao.

So, what else do we have this year?

Romantic stories are at the top, accounting for 25.3 percent of the pitches. This is followed by dramas at 17.5 percent and action thrillers at 11 percent.

Alongside the project pitches, the film market also showcases new movies and holds industry forums.

The market will run from April 19 to 21 at the Beijing International Hotel.

More than 200 film firms and organizations from China and major foreign markets, such as the United States and Europe, will showcase their new productions.

Bian Jianguo, deputy secretary-general of the festival's organizing committee, says this year's movie market will focus on "creativity" and highlight original stories.

The market will also offer training opportunities to young directors and writers, and research future movie trends, says Bian.

xufan@chinadaily.com.cn