Beijing International Film Festival Marks Triple Milestone With Star-Studded Opening

Summary

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival opened amid rain-soaked conditions, celebrating a triple anniversary in cinema history, including 130 years since the Lumière brothers' first film screening and 120 years since China's first movie. President Janet Yang highlighted film's universal power and the importance of authentic storytelling. The festival honored Chinese filmmakers and actors, featured a red carpet event with British director David Yates quipping about the weather and expressing gratitude for their warm reception. A celebration of cinematic history included performances and displays honoring 130 years since Lumière and a display of "Ne Zha," an animated franchise.

Additional Summaries

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. “Film is the most universal language to connect the world,” Yang stated in Mandarin before switching to 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. 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 international presence included directors Bela Tarr, Noelle Bastin, Baptiste Bogaert, and Tobias Schmutzler, alongside a Swiss delegation and representatives of several major film festivals.