The 15th Beijing International Film Festival kicked off with glamor and historical significance despite rain-soaked conditions, as international and Chinese film luminaries gathered to celebrate a remarkable triple anniversary in cinema history.
This year’s festival commemorates 130 years since the Lumière brothers pioneered the first public film screening in Paris, 120 years since China’s inaugural film “The Battle of Dingjunshan,” and the festival’s own 15th anniversary.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Janet Yang delivered a bilingual keynote speech that underscored film’s power as a universal language. “Film is the most universal language to connect the world,” Yang stated in Mandarin before switching to English.
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Yang, a Chinese American producer, reflected on her introduction to Chinese cinema: “I first fell in love with Chinese cinema through the works of the ‘Fifth Generation’ filmmakers. Their films felt like poetry, quiet and reflective.” She underlined the importance of authentic storytelling in an era of rapid technological advancement.
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“Technology can assist us, but what truly moves people are the stories that emanate from human empathy,” Yang said.
“In recent years, what gives me great hope is seeing more and more Asian and Asian diaspora storytellers step onto the global stage. They’re telling stories about what it’s like to live between cultures, in their own unique voices,” Yang added. “As a Chinese American producer, I know how challenging this path can be – but that’s exactly why it matters. As we’re seeing more Chinese films reach audiences around the world, playing a bigger role in global cinema, it’s clear that film is bringing China and the rest of the world closer together.”
The producer concluded by invoking the Chinese philosophical concept of “Harmony in Diversity,” expressing hope for increased collaboration between Chinese and international filmmakers.
Speaking on the red carpet, British director David Yates, known for helming several “Harry Potter” films, showed good humor about the inclement weather, quipping, “Thank you for the rain, it’s lovely.” On a more serious note, Yates, who is serving on the jury of the festival’s flagship Tiantan Awards, said, “I’ve been struck by the spectacle and the scale and the splendor of everything here. It’s truly magnificent and wonderful to experience, and most of all, the courtesy and the kindness of lots of people. It’s a very, very warm welcome for people from outside of the country, and we’re thankful for that. We feel very welcome to this amazing festival.”
The opening ceremony took place at the Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center, with high-profile attendees including Yin Li, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Beijing party secretary; Zhang Zheng of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Yin Yong, Beijing mayor and chair of the festival’s organizing committee; and Wang Gang, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.
The ceremony featured spectacular performances, including the opening song “In Spring, Come to Beijing to Watch the World’s Finest Films,” a segment titled “Chinese Animation: A Symphony of Light” featuring children from the Rainbow Art Troupe portraying beloved animation characters – including from $2.11 billion grossing “Ne Zha 2” – and musical performances by Tan Jianci, Na Ying, Sun Nan with Malaysian singer Shila, and Liu Yuxin who performed the festival’s promotional song “Remember When.”
China Media Group deputy editor-in-chief Fan Yun delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the triple anniversary: “This year marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema. Over these 130 years, film – an art form that combines literature, fine arts, music, and technology – has continuously reinvented itself, producing timeless classics, influencing and shaping modern civilization.”
Sun Junmin, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and director of the Publicity Department, declared the festival officially open, noting: “Beijing holds a distinguished position as the birthplace of Chinese cinema and remains a pivotal city in the continuing evolution of Chinese film in this new era. As both a National Cultural Center and a Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Beijing boasts a wealth of high-caliber creative resources.”
Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri attended as representative of Switzerland, this year’s Country of Honor, noting the significance of this role during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland and the “China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism.”
The festival also marked the official launch of the “Chinese Film Consumption Year” and the “Beijing Film & Life Festival” that will run from April 18 to May 5, integrating film with dining, shopping, and entertainment through a “ticket stub economy” initiative across the city.
The jury is led by Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen, and includes Chinese American actor Joan Chen, Chinese actor Ni Ni, Finnish filmmaker Teemu Nikki, Swiss actor-director Vincent Perez and Hong Kong production designer Tim Yip.
The red carpet was a dazzling showcase of Chinese cinematic talent, with a lineup of actors including Zhang Yuqi, Tan Zhuo, Wang Yang, Song Shuting, Liu Jiayuan, Zhang Dage, Yang Huiqing, Fu Jing, Zhao Shuzhen, Liu Yichun, and Liu Meihan. Male stars were equally well-represented with Xu Weizhou, Wang Dongcheng, Liu Guanyou, Pan Binlong, Qiao Shan, Wang Yanhui, Wang Duofei, Zhou You, and Zhou Yiran making appearances.
The directorial contingent was led by acclaimed filmmaker Guan Hu, known for “Black Dog,” alongside Li Yongyi, Shen Tao, Yi Xiaoxing, A Nian, Gao Qunshu, Tong Jiage, Chen Xiaoliang, Wang Mu, Cui Rui, Hai Ming, Li Pieran, Li Muzi, Huang Xiang, and Zhang Chi.
Chen Jianbin, Jiang Qinqin, Zhang Jingyi, Bai Ke, Xin Baiqing, and Geng Le added star power to the proceedings, while talents like Zhang Zifeng, Ouyang Nana, Tan Jianci, Ou Hao, Huang Yi, Jiang Mengjie, Lang Yueting, and Zhong Xintong represented the next generation of Chinese cinema.
Behind-the-scenes talent was also celebrated, with producers Wen Bo, Kong Jialin, Chen Jie, Zhang Qun, Sun Rong, Ma Zhe, Ying Luojia, Hu Qingcheng, Guo Dongnan, Zhao Yongqiang, Lin Xiaoqiang, and Jiang Zhiqiang in attendance, along with scriptwriter Qin Junfang and art director Mu Jing.
The international presence included directors Bela Tarr, Noelle Bastin, Baptiste Bogaert, and Tobias Schmitzler, alongside a Swiss delegation and representatives of several major film festivals.
The festival continues through April 26.
