▌Bright as the stars, the red carpet glistened with stardom and elegance as the grand ceremony opened on April 18

On April 18, the shores of Yanqi Lake in Huairou District stirred with excitement and cheers as an unprecedented celebration unfolded. Under the guidance of the China Film Administration, the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), hosted by China Media Group and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, kicked off at the Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center (BYCC) in Huairou District.

　　Opening Ceremony of the 14th BJIFF

Mr. Yin Li, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mr. Hu Heping, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee in charge of routine work, Mr. Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, President of China Media Group, and President of the Organizing Committee of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, Mr. Li Yi, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group, Vice President and member of the Secretariat of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Mr. Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mayor of Beijing, and President of the Organizing Committee of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, Mr. Liu Wei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mr. Fan Yun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Media Group and Vice President of the Organizing Committee of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, Mr. Wu Yiqin, Vice President and member of the Secretariat of the China Writers Association, as well as leaders from relevant ministries and commissions and those who participated in the National Film Work Conference were present at the event.

At the opening ceremony, Comrades Shen Haixiong and Yin Yong delivered speeches, expressing their respect to world cinema, extending their wishes to filmmakers worldwide, and granting recognition and high expectations to the BJIFF. Comrade Hu Heping announced the opening of the 14th BJIFF.

　　Mr. Hu Heping, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee in charge of routine work

　　Mr. Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, President of China Media Group, and President of the Organizing Committee of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival

　　Mr. Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mayor of Beijing, and President of the Organizing Committee of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival

▌Enjoying films from around the world and sharing our own stories

The opening ceremony of this year's BJIFF, themed "Film, a True Portrayal of Our Stories", focused on cinema and the individuals and events connected with it. The opening number, Let's Enjoy the Best Films in Beijing This Spring, set the tone for the BJIFF's grand opening with the main motif, being that "As light, we illuminate the distance; as shadows, we walk hand in hand".

Opening number Let's Enjoy the Best Films in Beijing This Spring, with performers Yu Yi, Lin Chi-ling, and Liang Long

Over 370 Chinese and foreign filmmakers strolled down the red carpet with confidence and poise, showcasing their passion and dedication to the art of cinema. Their confident smiles epitomized the thriving and energetic state of world cinema.

　　Jury of the Tiantan Award

The crews of films like Dwelling by the West Lake, Operation Macau, Hovering Blade, Dongji Island, Three Old Boys, Unspoken, She's Got No Name, Operation Black-Ops, Match Maker, Biochemical Revelations, Reversed Destiny, Dumpling Queen, The Last Frenzy, Lion Dance Sisters, You Are By My Side, and The Dream of the Red Chamber, among others, appeared on the red carpet, accompanying the light and embracing the shadow, thus interweaving a resplendent starlight in the world of cinema.

 Jury of the Beijing Film Market Project Pitches

 

　　Cast & crew of Hovering Blade

The opening ceremony was emceed by Ren Luyu, Tian Wei, Li Yangwei, and Sun Yang, with the program introductions given by Cassius Rosa, Brazil's Vice-Minister of Culture, and actress Lin Chi-ling from Taiwan, China.

　　Opening Ceremony of the 14th BJIFF

Margareth Menezes, Brazil's Minister of Culture, delivered a speech via VCR, extending her best wishes to the Chinese film industry, China-Brazil film industry exchange, and the BJIFF.

　　Margareth Menezes delivering a speech

In addition, the grand opening ceremony also invited Serbian director Emir Kusturica to present the Organizing Committee's Special Honor Award to Chinese director Zhang Yimou, where the two masters shared the stage to witness this special honor.

　　The Organizing Committee's Special Honor Award

▌With limitless possibilities, films have the power to connect the world

The A-list jury lineup of the Tiantan Award for the 14th BJIFF was present at the event, featuring Emir Kusturica as the headliner. Joining him were Australian film sound designer David White, actor Kris Phillips, Austrian director Jessica Hausner, Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha, actress Ma Li, and actor Zhu Yilong. Together with the audience, they embarked on an enchanting journey of light and shadow, exploring the artistry of cinema.

　　Jury of the Tiantan Award of the 14th BJIFF

A total of 15 films from 21 countries and regions were nominated for the Official Selection of Tiantan Award. Pursuing a diverse international perspective since its inception in 2013, the BJIFF Tiantan Award always appreciates the world film art with an open mindset, and welcomes the world's best films with an inclusive attitude.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Zhu Songchun, Director of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence (BIGAI) globally acclaimed for his expertise in computer vision, statistics, applied mathematics, and artificial intelligence, served as a presenter and introduced the films to the audience. He broadened his perspective to encompass the field of AI, and shared insights into the intricate and delicate relationship between the ascent of AI and the development of cinematic art.

　　Zhu Songchun, Director of the BIGAI, and Film Director Rao Xueman

The stars of Three Old Boys, including Huang Zhizhong, Guo Tao, and Jiang Wu, appeared together on stage to promote nominated films. The presence of these three "masculine guys" added a unique charm to this grand celebration of cinema.

　　Jiang Wu, Huang Zhizhong, and Guo Tao 

The jury members of Project Pitches (chaired by director Stanley Kwan and consisting of jurors Da Peng, Liu Haoran, Derek Tsang, and Zhang Mo), the jury members of the Reelfocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program (including jury president Peggy Chiao and jurors Chen Yu, Jiang Qinqin, Qu Chuxiao, Derek Hui, Yu Shi, and Zu Feng), and the jury members of Forward Future (chaired by Jerzy Skolimowski, and including jurors Gu Xiaogang, Kees Van Oostrum, Yang Lina, and Yang Zishan), met with the audience. For more than a decade, the BJIFF has been supporting the development and growth of young filmmakers, taking on the responsibility and commitment of serving as the link between creators, the market, and audiences.

　　Jury of Project Pitches

　　Jury of the Reelfocus Fresh Blood Short Film Program

　　Jury of Forward Future

The opening film Dwelling by the West Lake, directed by Gu Xiaogang, marks another chapter in his relationship with the BJIFF. In 2018, Gu obtained the production funding for his first feature film at the BJIFF, which marked the beginning of his career as a feature film director. For him, the BJIFF represents the beginning of his journey in the world of cinema, and he will continue to move forward hand in hand with the festival.

　　Cast & crew of Dwelling by the West Lake

Starring in Dwelling by the West Lake, Wu Lei, together with actress Guan Xiaotong, reflected on their most indelible roles and imparted their intimate understandings and reflections on the craft of character building. On the BJIFF stage, young filmmakers shine bright, and youthful faces are constantly being discovered, spotlighted, and recognized by the world.

　　Wu Lei and Guan Xiaotong

▌With limitless possibilities, films have the power to connect the world

The opening ceremony of the BJIFF showcased the stunning beauty of light and shadow not only to filmmakers and audiences worldwide but also presented a feast for the senses for the global film industry.

With the theme "Films Cast Light on Reality", the performance Mulan integrating music, poetry, painting, and dance, depicted the reciprocal influence between cinema and reality, illustrating their mutual reflection and empowerment. Young dancer Jiang Linrong from the Beijing Dance Drama & Opera, and Ling Yun, an inheritor of Martial Art of Emei, an intangible cultural heritage, together with singer Li Yuchun, brought to life the traditional Chinese tale of "maiden in armour", showcasing the spirit of female heroism.

　　Program Mulan, which integrates music, poetry, painting, and dance, with performers Li Yuchun and Ling Yun

The special program Films Cast Light on Reality: Salute the Power of Women invited outstanding female professionals from diverse fields, including Chang Shana aged over 90, former president of the Central Academy of Arts & Design (now Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University), Song Yin, search & rescue helicopter pilot of the East China sea, and Chen Huihui, a war correspondent, to share their stories and the resonating spirit of cinema, together with actresses Qin Hailu, Cecilia Yip, and filmmaker Zhang Mo.

　　Program Films Cast Light on Reality: Salute the Power of Women

The program Read You welcomed over-90-year-old Chinese performing artist You Benchang to engage in inter-generational dialogue with actors Gao Yuanyuan and Hu Ge. Together, they recounted the history and development of Chinese cinema, discussing its legacy and innovation across generations.

　　Program Read You, with performers You Benchang, Gao Yuanyuan, and Hu Ge

The renowned American singer Bertie Higgins and Anda Union, an ethnic band from Inner Mongolia, joined forces to perform the classic song Casablanca, evoking the memories of the timeless love story from the iconic film Casablanca. The integration of multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Mongolian, in the performance at the BJIFF became a conduit for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation, casting a brilliant spotlight on the diverse aspects of civilizations and cultures from around the world.

　　Bertie Higgins and Anda Union performing the song Casablanca

As the familiar melody started to play, the promotion song of the BJIFF, Remember When, echoed once more, as the previous highlights of the film festival were projected on the screen, one frame at a time. As the narrative commences at the BJIFF, it will persist alongside the film festival, never to end.

　　Yang Kun and Lan Tianqi performing the song Remember When

▌The event & activities are fascinating and diverse, capturing the era's images and global voices

Over the course of 14 years, the BJIFF has remained committed to its core mission of "Share the Screen, Shape the Future", and upheld the value of "Beauty in Variety, Harmony in Diversity". In partnership with filmmakers from around the world, it strives to build a promising future for the global film industry.

Over 250 masterpieces from both Chinese and international origins have been handpicked for screening as part of the Beijing Film Panorama, and over 800 showings will be held in around 27 different venues spanning Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. A range of complementary services such as thoughtfully designed food and attraction maps have been launched, aiming to meet movie lovers' every need. The Theme Forum will feature four core forums, as well as three sessions of Workshop & Masterclasses by movie legends Emir Kusturica, Ann Hui, and Joan Chen, alongside the Screen Acting Open Course. In line with its theme of "display, promotion, transaction and exchange", the Beijing Film Market strives to optimize the entire production value chain of domestic and overseas cinema advances, with five major events devised to this end, including Exhibition and Project Pitches. Under the banner of "Follow the Footsteps of Films, Enjoy Life in Huairou", the Film Carnival will offer more than 40 activities in "8+N" venues across Huairou District, allowing citizens to “experience film and television culture, enjoy the life in Huairou, and spend their weekends at the Film Town”. The 31st Beijing College Student Film Festival adheres to its core principles of "Passion, Academic Sense, and Cultural Awareness", delivering multiple events that include the "Youth Night" Awards Ceremony, Excellent Chinese Films Solicitation and Selection, College Student Original Film Competition, academic and industry forums, and many others. Collectively, these aim to leverage the dynamic energies of younger generations toward the continued development and prosperity of Chinese cinema. Powered by throbbing enthusiasm and unparalleled creativity, "Film+" is set to manifest a dynamic and versatile assortment of cross-industry entertainment. It strives to transcend the traditional perception of a mere film festival.

In addition to that, the BJIFF, upon leveraging its distinctive community advantages as an epicenter for China's cinematic pursuits, will host a 20th-anniversary celebration of the Beijing International Sports Film Week, as well as a set of specialized programs, featured in the BJIFF AIGC Film Shorts Section.

"Enlightened by Films, United as One" succinctly encapsulates the BJIFF's commitment to fostering the prosperity of the film industry and facilitating mutual exchange in global cinematic art, thus advancing cooperative growth within China's film industry. On a refreshing spring night by the shores of Yanqi Lake in April, the 14th BJIFF kicked off. Here, filmmakers from across the globe will gather in celebration of epoch-defining visuals and worldly soundscapes.