Chinese film producer, Han Sanping, has joined the jury for this year’s Asian World Film Festival, which is held in Los Angeles every year and is designed to promote Asian cinema and filmmaking. Starting in 2015, it awards its participants with the Snow Leopard awards, which span across multiple different categories. 

Sanping served as the head of the China Film Group for many years even getting involved in some of China’s biggest films during the last few years of his tenure. After his time in this group, he still continued to be a part of many major films behind the scenes, including helping on 2019’s Midway. 

As well as Sanping sitting in as a head juror, the AWFF has acquired Stars Collective, financed by China-backed Starlight Media. Stars Collective has worked with a multitude of filmmakers, connecting budding talents with seasoned veterans such as Sam Raimi and Rob Minkoff. Collective connects young filmmakers to the mentoring ones through their past work with Media and supports over 200 young, aspiring directors. 

The director of AWFF, Georges N. Chamchoum, said they value partnership and collaboration and went on to add, “Stars Collective has proven to be a major player in Hollywood, so together I have no doubt we can make a difference.” On top of that, Jennifer Caiqin Zhan, head of the executive committee for Collective, adds, “As a female Asian producer, I am an advocate for Asian and Asian-American films and filmmakers. By fostering the partnership between AWFF and Stars Collective, I am excited to work towards a shared vision for future endeavors.”