Spring Arrives in Beijing as Swallows Circle Above the Temple of Heaven - the 16th Beijing International Film Festival Officially Announces Its Dates
Tiantan Glows, Hundred Flowers Bloom, Beijing Shines. The 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) will take place in Beijing from April 16 to 25, 2026. This year’s festival will present a wide range of film and cultural events across its principal sections, including the Tiantan Award competition, Opening Ceremony, Beijing Film Panorama, BJIFF Core Forums, Beijing Film Market, Film Carnival, the 33rd College Student Film Festival, Closing & Awards Ceremony, “Film Plus” and Beijing Film & Life Festival.
Now in its sixteenth year, BJIFF continues to expand its international perspective, serving as a platform for dialogue between Chinese cinema and the global film community. The festival will highlight the diversity of world cinema, facilitate closer connections across the film industry, and promote cultural exchange through the shared language of film.
Beyond being a major industry event, BJIFF is also designed as a citywide celebration open to the public. Alongside screenings, the festival will present exhibitions, outdoor activities and cultural programs throughout the city, bringing cinema into everyday urban life. Visitors coming to Beijing in April will be able to enjoy the season while experiencing the festival through a wide variety of film-related events, offering an immersive program that combines viewing, participation and cultural exploration.
Through the screen, the festival brings together outstanding films from around the world; through cinema, it looks toward new possibilities. The BJIFF Organizing Committee sincerely invites filmmakers, movie fans, industry bodies, film production teams and media representatives from across the globe to gather in Beijing this spring, to celebrate cinema and take part in one of the year’s major film events.
Schedule of festival events:
Registration for several festival activities remains open. Filmmakers, media and members of the public are welcome to take part and join in the celebrations.