Jing Zou’s feature film project, A Girl Unknown, recently took home the top prize at the Next Step initiative of Cannes Critics’ Week. This initiative is designed to support filmmakers as they transition from creating short films to their first full-length feature. The film itself is inspired by the heartbreaking reality of girls being abandoned in China due to the one-child policy. A Girl Unknown follows the life of a young Chinese woman from childhood to adulthood, as she navigates through three different families. It delves into themes of existential pain, self-discovery, and the complexity of learning to love.
The mastermind behind this powerful film is writer and director Jing Zou. Born in 1984, Zou is based in both Shanghai and Los Angeles. She comes from a literature background but discovered her passion for storytelling while working at the Shanghai International TV station, where she directed and edited documentaries. Her previous short film, Lili Alone (Duo Li), was recognized with the Leitz Cine Discovery Prize at the Critics’ Prize in 2021. This exceptional talent has positioned Zou as a rising star in the film industry.
A Girl Unknown was one of ten projects featured in this year’s edition of the Next Step program. Launched in 2014, this initiative is specifically tailored for directors who have previously showcased a short film at Cannes Critics’ Week. The program provides them with the opportunity to develop their first feature film through workshops and industry meetings. Winners of the Next Step award receive a 2,500€ endowment and an invitation to attend the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This year’s jury, consisting of industry experts, recognized the potential of Zou’s project and awarded it the top prize.
The Next Step program has a proven track record of supporting emerging talent. Past recipients of the award have gone on to achieve great success in the film industry. Projects such as Universal Language by Matthew Rankin and Some Rain Must Fall by Qiu Yang have garnered critical acclaim at major film festivals. The 10th edition of the program also introduced Next Step Volume II, a unique workshop that paired directors with composers to collaborate on score composition for their films.
Jing Zou’s A Girl Unknown stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of supporting emerging filmmakers. With her intimate and compelling narrative, Zou has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. As she continues to hone her craft, we can expect to see more groundbreaking work from this talented director in the future.