Feng Xiaogang leads the pack at Golden Rooster

Mainland director Feng Xiaogang's Aftershock, dealing with the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China, won nine nominations at the upcoming Golden Rooster Awards, known as the mainland's Academy Awards.

The film has been nominated for best film, director and leading actress, among others.

Some small-budget films won the judges' favor, too, such as Zhang Meng's Piano in a Factory, acclaimed for its portrayal of a loving father who makes a piano to win over his daughter during his divorce. It was nominated for best leading actor, actress, film, director and scriptwriter.

Star-studded Founding of a Republic won just one nomination for best recording.

The event will kick off in Hefei, capital of Anhui province on Oct 19 and last four days.