When the initial iteration of the FIRST International Film Festival was held in the northwestern Chinese city of Xining in 2006, there was little to suggest it would one day become one of the most influential and important events on China's film calendar.  Sometimes referred to as 'China's Sundance,' part of the festival's appeal lies in its do-it-yourself aesthetic. FIRST is well-known for its tight budget — directors invited to attend the festival share standard rooms — and its volunteer spirit.

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