Since 1995, CCTV's movie channel has shown more than 400 made-for-TV films. Unlike their big screen cousins, these movies go for quick, low-cost production techniques, using digital cameras instead of film.

This is the 3rd "Lily Awards" for made-for-TV films and prizes are awarded for the best actor, best actress, best director and best editor for the first time. Long-time favorite Li Ding drove away with the Best Actor going for his role in My Family Owns a Car.

The main theme of 2002's 110 TV films was life in modern China. Suspense and cops-and-robbers flicks were the staple and only a few flicks dealt with children's subjects or life in the countryside.

Yue Yang, director of TV Movie Section, CCTV-6, said: "This suggests a shortage of material sources. China's short film industry hasn't really got moving yet. We have trouble attracting material and talent."

Li Guomin, deputy President of China Movie Expert Association, said: "We must pay attention to training talented people. We need good TV movies, but we need talented people even more."

The TV movie is still a young art-form, as it matures, it should reflect more and more of real life in China.

(CCTV.com August 15, 2003)