The 2013 Xining First Youth Film Festival opened in Beijing on March 21.

Opening press conference organizers released the list of judges, which includes famous Chinese filmmakers as well as a college panel consisting of 21 young filmmakers who major in film.

The passion of this festival highlights the potential it has to influence and help young, talented filmmakers. Festival winners will receive awards and recognition that organizers hope will catch the eye of industry professionals.

Michael Newman, who is one of the international judges from the University of Southern California, said he is "looking forward to films that show evidence of creativity and think(ing) outside of box." Newman said he's excited to see young people sharing their voices and visions at the festival.

Festival judges will begin the selection process after the conference, and the main activity sections of the event will be held in Xining in July.

For more information, visit the festival's official website (www.firstfilm.org.cn).

Video: Lou Yi

Reporter: Yu Chenkang

Producer: Flora Yue