The site expects office workers in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou to produce most of the movies.
The Website (www.metroer.com) kicked off the competition on Monday and will accept entries until April. The contest is open to anyone who can produce a short film and send it to the site by mobile phone. The films must be two minutes long or shorter, and must be original works that haven't been shown in competition.
Those without cameras on their phones can make films with digital cameras as long as they submit them to the site by phone.
"There are no restrictions on a participant's age, qualifications or the style of the films, but they shouldn't have any illegal content," said Wendy Zhang, a spokesperson for the Website. "Paris and London have held similar competitions previously."
Two phone-wielding directors had already submitted films into the competition as of yesterday, mainly about office and urban life.
The Website will hand out five awards, a top prize, second prize, and awards for best director, best technology, and best cinematography.
The public and professional filmmakers will vote on the winners, who are expected to receive cell phones as prizes.
Younger He, who works for a consulting company in the city, heard about the competition yesterday and already has plans to take part in.
"I visit the Website sometimes. Shooting such a film would be fun and relaxing. It's just like digital video, which I am fond of," He said. "I plan to shoot a film about local women, who are fashionable and interesting."
Filmmakers said using cell phones is a great way to make a short movie with little skill, money, and no access to professional equipment.
"It is a good way for the public to have fun," said Liu Haibo, a teacher at Shanghai University's School of Film and Television Technology.
The Website was set up last June by a film director, a Webpage designer, a computer geek and an employee who works in Plaza 66 in an attempt to build a community among white-collar workers along Nanjing Road in downtown Shanghai.
By Cai Wenjun of Shanghai Daily
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