BOMBAX PROJECT
BOMBAX PROJECT
The Bombax Project is a non-profit initiative extending an invitation to emerging filmmakers from around the world to step into the heart of China and create something memorable. Each year, we gather in a different Chinese city to explore not only its streets, stories, and spirit—but to collaborate with the next wave of Chinese filmmakers shaping the future of cinema. Through challenge and creation, we share more than craft—we exchange perspectives, histories, humor, heartbreak, and hope.
This is your chance to engage with local communities, traditions, and artistic voices. To immerse yourself in a culture both ancient and electric. To make something that belongs to us - our generation, the world—with love and cross-cultural connection. Together, we’ll shape a more connected cinematic future.
The Bombax Project is a non-profit initiative extending an invitation to emerging filmmakers from around the world to step into the heart of China and create something memorable. Each year, we gather in a different Chinese city to explore not only its streets, stories, and spirit—but to collaborate with the next wave of Chinese filmmakers shaping the future of cinema. Through challenge and creation, we share more than craft—we exchange perspectives, histories, humor, heartbreak, and hope.
This is your chance to engage with local communities, traditions, and artistic voices. To immerse yourself in a culture both ancient and electric. To make something that belongs to us - our generation, the world—with love and cross-cultural connection. Together, we’ll shape a more connected cinematic future.
15 selected filmmakers will be invited to a fully-funded, one-week intensive program in the mountain city of Chongqing, sponsored by Chongqing & Yongchuan, in July 2025. The program is open to filmmakers focusing on directing, writing, producing, cinematography, production design, animation, and editing. A final screening and wrap party will be held at one of our partner studios, production companies, or local cultural organizations, showcasing all the work created during the program.
15 selected filmmakers will be invited to a fully-funded, one-week intensive program in the mountain city of Chongqing, sponsored by Chongqing & Yongchuan, in July 2025. The program is open to filmmakers focusing on directing, writing, producing, cinematography, production design, animation, and editing. A final screening and wrap party will be held at one of our partner studios, production companies, or local cultural organizations, showcasing all the work created during the program.
What we provide
What we provide
01
01
Round-Trip Flights
Round-Trip Flights
Economy-class tickets from the U.S. to China
Economy-class tickets from the U.S. to China
02
02
Visa Assistance
Visa Assistance
Processing support and fee coverage
Processing support and fee coverage
03
03
Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotel stay in Chongqing during program
Hotel stay in Chongqing during program
04
04
Local Transportation
Local Transportation
Arranged travel within China
Arranged travel within China
05
05
Creative Resources
Creative Resources
Access to Chongqing’s film industry networks and professional teams
Access to Chongqing’s film industry networks and professional teams
What you'll do
What you'll do
Participants will be divided into five teams for a 72-hour filmmaking challenge. You’ll collaborate with local filmmakers, film students, and film lovers to create a 5-minute short film. Projects will explore the theme “Past and Future”, with a focus on:
Participants will be divided into five teams for a 72-hour filmmaking challenge. You’ll collaborate with local filmmakers, film students, and film lovers to create a 5-minute short film. Projects will explore the theme “Past and Future”, with a focus on:
History & Documentary
History & Documentary
History & Documentary
Culture & Food
Culture & Food
Culture & Food
Romance
Romance
Romance
Martial Arts / Kung Fu
Martial Arts / Kung Fu
Martial Arts / Kung Fu
Comedy
Comedy
Comedy
If you're interested in working with Chinese teams or filming in China, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
If you're interested in working with Chinese teams or filming in China, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
FAQ
FAQ
Is this a competition?
Is this program only for fiction filmmakers?
What language will the program be in?
Will there be interpreters or language support?
How are participants selected?
Can I bring a collaborator or friend?
Do I need to pay for my flight?
Where do flights depart from?
Can I adjust my return flight if I stay longer?
When is the program, and how long is it?
Will accommodations and meals be provided during the residency?
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Who can apply?
Do I need to be in film school to apply?
Is there an age limit to apply?
Can I apply if I’ve never been to China before?
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Can I stay in China after the program ends?
When is the program & how long is it?
Will accommodations and meals be provided during the residency?
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Who can apply?
Do I need to be in film school to apply?
Is there an age limit to apply?
Can I apply if I’ve never been to China before?
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Can I stay in China after the program ends?
Is this a competition?
Is this program only for fiction filmmakers?
What language will the program be in?
Will there be interpreters or language support?
How are participants selected?
Can I bring a collaborator or friend?
Do I need to pay for my flight?
Where do flights depart from?
Can I adjust my return flight if I stay longer?
Is this a competition?
Is this program only for fiction filmmakers?
What language will the program be in?
Will there be interpreters or language support?
How are participants selected?
Can I bring a collaborator or friend?
Do I need to pay for my flight?
Where do flights depart from?
Can I adjust my return flight if I stay longer?
When is the program, and how long is it?
Will accommodations and meals be provided during the residency?
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Who can apply?
Do I need to be in film school to apply?
Is there an age limit to apply?
Can I apply if I’ve never been to China before?
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Can I stay in China after the program ends?
CHONG QING
CHONG QING
重庆 Chongqing is a vibrant mountain city in southwest China, famous for its steep terrain, misty skyline, and fiery hot pot. Nestled along the Yangtze River, the city’s layered architecture, neon lights, and cinematic alleys have made it a striking location for filmmakers.
重庆 Chongqing is a vibrant mountain city in southwest China, famous for its steep terrain, misty skyline, and fiery hot pot. Nestled along the Yangtze River, the city’s layered architecture, neon lights, and cinematic alleys have made it a striking location for filmmakers.
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Better Days (2019)
Grand Tour (2024)
Crazy Stone (2006)
Chongqing Blues (2010)
Chongqing Hot Pot (2016)
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Grand Tour (2024)
Better Days (2019)
Chongqing Blues (2010)
Chongqing Hot Pot (2016)
Crazy Stone (2006)
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Better Days (2019)
Grand Tour (2024)
Crazy Stone (2006)
Chongqing Blues (2010)
Chongqing Hot Pot (2016)
Eligibility
Eligibility
• U.S. citizen
• Film school graduate or currently enrolled student
• Published work (books, films, animations, games, etc.)
• A new project idea in development
• Experience in filmmaking, animation, or game development
• U.S. citizen
• Film school graduate or currently enrolled student
• Published work (books, films, animations, games, etc.)
• A new project idea in development
• Experience in filmmaking, animation, or game development
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Resume
Include your educational background (e.g. film school attended or graduated), industry experience, and a list of your past works or creative projects.
Resume
Include your educational background (e.g. film school attended or graduated), industry experience, and a list of your past works or creative projects.
Resume
Include your educational background (e.g. film school attended or graduated), industry experience, and a list of your past works or creative projects.
Portfolio
Provide links or files showcasing your work—films, animations, games, books, or other relevant creative projects that reflect your voice and craft.
Portfolio
Provide links or files showcasing your work—films, animations, games, books, or other relevant creative projects that reflect your voice and craft.
Portfolio
Provide links or files showcasing your work—films, animations, games, books, or other relevant creative projects that reflect your voice and craft.
Personal Statement (1 page)
Tell us why you're applying, what draws you to this opportunity, and how it aligns with your creative goals. Describe your creative vision and any project you hope to develop during or after the program. Share your interest in cross-cultural collaboration—how you envision working with Chinese filmmakers, and what you hope to gain from the experience in Chongqing. Reflect on how Chongqing might inspire your storytelling: what themes, stories, or cultural elements you want to explore.
Personal Statement (1 page)
Tell us why you're applying, what draws you to this opportunity, and how it aligns with your creative goals. Describe your creative vision and any project you hope to develop during or after the program. Share your interest in cross-cultural collaboration—how you envision working with Chinese filmmakers, and what you hope to gain from the experience in Chongqing. Reflect on how Chongqing might inspire your storytelling: what themes, stories, or cultural elements you want to explore.
Personal Statement (1 page)
Tell us why you're applying, what draws you to this opportunity, and how it aligns with your creative goals. Describe your creative vision and any project you hope to develop during or after the program. Share your interest in cross-cultural collaboration—how you envision working with Chinese filmmakers, and what you hope to gain from the experience in Chongqing. Reflect on how Chongqing might inspire your storytelling: what themes, stories, or cultural elements you want to explore.