Beijing Film Fest Celebrates Triple Crown with Star-Packed Launch

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival commenced amid glamour and historic importance even though it was raining heavily. Prominent figures from both international and Chinese cinema came together to honor a significant threefold milestone in movie 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.

The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Janet Yang, gave a bilingual keynote address highlighting cinema’s ability to act as a global lingua franca. “Cinema serves as the most universal language for connecting with people around the globe,” she said initially in Mandarin, then continued in English.

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.

"Technology can aid us, but what genuinely inspires people are the narratives born from human compassion," Yang stated.

"What inspires me greatly these days is observing an increasing number of Asian and Asian diaspora storytellers emerging on the international scene. These individuals share their experiences navigating multiple cultures through their distinctive narratives," Yang stated. "Given my background as a Chinese American producer, I am well aware of the difficulties involved in this journey—but precisely for that reason, it holds significant importance. With Chinese movies gaining wider recognition globally and contributing significantly to worldwide filmmaking, it’s evident that cinema serves as a bridge connecting China with the broader international community," he concluded.

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."

Led by renowned Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen, the jury consists of acclaimed figures including Chinese American actress Joan Chen, Chinese actress Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, and Swiss actor-director Vincent Perez.

The red carpet was an impressive display of China’s film industry prowess, featuring a roster of talented actors such as Zhang Yuqi, Tan Zhuo, Wang Yang, Song Shuting, Liu Jiayuan, Zhang Dage, Yang Huiqing, Fu Jing, Zhao Shuzhen, Liu Yichun, and Liu Meihan. The male celebrities also made their mark with notable presences from Xu Weizhou, Wang Dongcheng, Liu Guanyou, Pan Binlong, Qiao Shan, Wang Yanhui, Wang Duofei, Zhou You, and Zhou Yiran.

The directing team was headed by renowned filmmaker Guan Hu, famous for his work "Black Dog," along with 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 brought star appeal to the event, whereas emerging talents such as Zhang Zifeng, Ouyang Nana, Tan Jianci, Ou Hao, Huang Yi, Jiang Mengjie, Lang Yueting, and Zhong Xintong showcased the future of Chinese filmmaking.

The event also honored behind-the-scenes professionals, attended by 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, as well as screenwriter Qin Junfang and production designer Mu Jing.

The global participation featured directors Bela Tarr, Noelle Bastin, Baptiste Bogaert, and Tobias Schmitzler, along with a contingent from Switzerland and delegates from various prominent film festivals.

The inauguration event included dance and music acts, celebrating milestones such as 130 years of film history, 120 years of Chinese filmmaking, and delving into the legacy of Chinese animation. This celebration highlighted a showcase with figures from the renowned animated series "Ne Zha."

The festival runs until April 26.

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