We made all efforts we could to survive during this period.
Screenings were packed and at one point around 370,000 people were trying to buy tickets online.
However, the numbers of foreign directors and producers has still not fully recovered.
Jia Zhangke at the closing ceremony of the 7th Pingyao International Film FestivalPYIFF
The idea is to support good cinema wherever it originates.
However, he adds that the fund would still consider films that are not suitable for China release.
The fund builds on the work that PYIFF has already done to support up-and-coming Chinese filmmakers.
7th PYIFF: Jia Zhangke with Luc Besson, Lin Xudong and Marco Mueller
Young directors always seem to find a way.
Meanwhile, Chinas censorship situation also appears to have improved since January this year.
Jia is also returning to directing this year.
Pingyao International Film Festival took place October 11-18.
