In late April 2026, the 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) will officially commence along the scenic shores of Yanqi Lake in Beijing. Here, we extend our sincere invitation to filmmakers, film institutions, and production teams from around the world. Join us on this captivating journey through light and shadow to witness film art's radiant blossoming in the new era.

The BJIFF upholds the spirit of diversity, inclusivity and innovation-driven leadership. It serves not only as a premier showcase for outstanding films, but also as a vital platform to facilitate cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world and boost industrial collaboration. It is where creators come together to exchange ideas, ignite inspiration, and craft timeless stories that resonate far and wide.

In recent years, the BJIFF has pushed boundaries and amplified its global reach, with festival buzz dominating social media. Take last year's event: the #BJIFF Opening Ceremony Red Carpet# hashtag racked up hundreds of millions of views, boosting overall impressions by more than 1.45 billion and sparking 10.07 million discussions. Live streams shattered records too, proving the festival's magic extends beyond the venue - it is a cultural phenomenon that blends art with everyday life, connecting screens to audiences everywhere.

The BJIFF Red Carpet is a true melting pot of cultures. For 15 years, the Tiantan Award has embodied the philosophy of "Beauty in Variety, Harmony in Diversity", drawing over 10,000 films from more than 100 countries and regions. Icons of cinema - both local and international - like Luc Besson, Bille August, Emir Kusturica, Wong Kar-wai, Gong Li, and Zhang Yimou have graced the event to honor cinematic excellence. From international guests such as James Cameron, Natalie Portman, and Sophie Marceau to Chinese film stars like Shu Qi, Huang Bo, and Zhu Yilong, the carpet has sparkled with global luminaries. Blockbuster teams behind hits like The Battle at Lake Changjin and Wolf Warrior 2 have made group appearances, alongside international co-production crews walking hand-in-hand. Each step on this iconic path captures the original aspiration and passion of film professionals, and every moment of pause radiates the warm power of cross-cultural connection.

This year, we are excited to feature the Tiantan Award's 10 esteemed categories once again, with the Forward Future section spotlighting rising talents and the Science and Technology section delving into the exciting intersection of film and science. Your presence here means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's film elite, creating defining cinematic moments under the eyes of hundreds of millions of fans.

Beyond the glamour, the BJIFF Red Carpet opens doors to real industry opportunities. The Beijing Film Market draws nearly a thousand top-tier projects for Project Pitches, while the "China Film Overseas Distribution & Promotion" recognition initiative paves the way for worldwide releases. The Short Film section nurtures young creators too. On the carpet, you will connect directly with leading producers, distributors, and investors - gaining visibility for your work and forging partnerships to turn bold ideas into reality.

As spring awakens, let us unite in the glow of light and shadow. We eagerly await global filmmakers bringing their unique cultures to intermingle on the red carpet; institutions arriving with fresh projects to fuel dynamic collaborations; and production teams showcasing their creations, ensuring every spark of passion reaches the world. Here, every cinematic dream deserves its spotlight. Come to Beijing in the spirit of film, and let us create a festival brimming with passion, creativity, and hope!