Zhang Ci (USA)
First Prize
Author Bio:
Zhang Ci is a Chinese-American female writer and documentary filmmaker. She graduated from the Chinese Department of Yunnan University and joined the Yunnan Branch of the China Writers Association in 1982. She currently resides in Los Angeles, USA. Zhang Ci has received numerous awards for her literary and film works and has published the novel Wandering America, the short story collection Consolation, and nonfiction works including 1968, The Pocket of Silicon Valley and American Women.
Her documentary films have been screened at Stanford University, Waseda University in Japan, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Zhang Ci’s documentary Wandering Beijing is archived in the libraries of Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, the Pacific Archives, and the U.S. Library of Congress.
Award-Winning Work: Bank / Ambition of the Confederation (60 episodes)
Story Synopsis:
Bank (Ambition of the Confederation) is an urban crime series centered on the mysterious West Coast organization “The Confederation” and its founder Joseph Fernandez. The story unfolds in San Jose, a city rife with drugs, gangs, violent crime, and power struggles. Joseph, once an apprentice and son-in-law to billionaire and city hero B-MAN, rises to power after his mentor is murdered, skillfully navigating the criminal underworld and financial corruption to become the leader of “The Confederation.”
The plot begins with the killing of city hero B-MAN, prompting Joseph to uncover the complex web of interests among various forces. The series depicts the struggle between a city hero, gangs, and financial villains, focusing on Joseph’s covert identity and his interactions with the police, criminal organizations, and moral dilemmas regarding loyalty and identity.
Amber Kramer, a doctor at San Jose City Hospital and Joseph’s wife, appears to live a calm life on the surface, but beneath it lies a turbulent undercurrent. Amber and her friend, nurse Catherine Portman, become entangled in gang conflicts. Catherine’s boyfriend, Android, is killed for allegedly stealing Bitcoin from gang leader Kadinov, leaving Catherine traumatized and fearful.
Meanwhile, as leader of “The Confederation,” Joseph must manage conflicts both inside and outside the organization while protecting his wife and her friends. Using his intelligence and ruthless methods, he gradually gains control. However, Kadinov’s son vows revenge and seeks to disrupt the delicate balance between the legal and criminal worlds maintained by “The Confederation.” Joseph must navigate multiple powers, defend his organization, and prevent harm to his family and friends.
The series not only portrays brutal gang conflicts but also explores the emotional and psychological struggles of female characters such as Amber and Catherine, highlighting the difficult choices people face in dangerous, complex situations. With a tightly-paced narrative and continuous suspense, the story examines humanity, power, and life-and-death struggles.
Professional Review:
The series follows the protagonist’s double life navigating both legal and illegal realms, depicting a high-stakes power game where urban gangs intersect with financial crime. The plot is fast-paced, characters are vivid and multidimensional, and the show combines intense action with psychological depth. It delivers strong realism, emotional tension, and entertainment value, making it highly watchable with significant market potential and blockbuster potential.
