Young guns shoot it out

A youthful league of Chinese filmmakers faces the toughest time in a market strewn with landmines that may threaten its survival.

The coming two months may portend doom and gloom for the future of Chinese cinema. If you think I'm exaggerating, let me tell you why.

About a dozen young filmmakers - from the group that's slightly younger than the so-called "sixth generation" - are releasing major works this season. It is not their debut per se, but it is the first collective - albeit unorganized - effort to exert their presence and clout in the newly opened film market. As they may well be aware, their labors of love may resemble the fate of the Titanic on its maiden voyage.