The towering snow-capped Alps, the serene and leisurely ancient towns, the luxurious and meticulously crafted high-end watches, the mouth-watering handmade chocolates... When all of these come to mind, the first country that surely pops up is that picturesque land - Switzerland. In fact, apart from the well-known characteristics mentioned-above, Switzerland's film industry also stands out among European art-film powerhouses, owing to its artistic profundity, narrative innovation and rich documentary tradition.

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland. In order to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Switzerland, deepen the innovative strategic partnership between the two countries, and further enhance the international influence of BJIFF, this year's BJIFF has extended an invitation to Switzerland to serve as the Country of Honor.

The year 2025 marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema, the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, and also the 15th anniversary of Beijing International Film Festival. Switzerland is the fifth country to serve as the Country of Honor at BJIFF, following Greece, Argentina, Thailand and Brazil. Since 2021, BJIFF has annually invited a country or region to serve as Country of Honor. With a series of well-planned events, it exhibits the film culture of the guest. This not only facilitates interaction and mutual understanding between filmmakers from different parties but also expands international market and cooperation opportunities. The Country of Honor program serves to construct a bridge for Chinese-foreign film exchanges. Additionally, it shoulders a profound cultural diplomacy mission, enabling the Chinese film industry to coexist across different boundaries and thrive through in-depth dialogues and cooperation between Chinese and foreign filmmakers.

Switzerland, located in central Europe, is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In 1950, China and Switzerland officially established diplomatic relations. Over the past 75 years, the two countries have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and achieved fruitful results in cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges. In 2017, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Switzerland, the two countries signed an agreement on cultural cooperation. In 2024, Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, paid an official visit to Switzerland and expressed that China is willing to take the opportunity of 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year to expand local and cultural exchanges as well as people-to-people interactions, and further deepen the friendly feelings between the two peoples and the China-Switzerland friendship. The milestone of Switzerland being the Country of Honor at BJIFF not only bears witness to the long-standing political ties between the two countries, but also highlights the fruitful achievements of cultural, economic and ideological exchanges between the two sides over the past decades.

The Swiss film industry is well-developed, boasting a number of exceptional filmmakers and influential film festivals and expos: the Locarno Film Festival focuses on independent art films, the Zurich Film Festival brings together Hollywood and European filmmakers, and the Visions du Réel International Film Festival Nyon is the top-notch venue in the documentary field. Additionally, Switzerland is home to a large number of cutting-edge film and television technology companies. Enterprises such as ARRI and Orbis Production are driving the innovation in photography, visual effects, and post-production. Switzerland and China have conducted a wide range of cooperation in the film industry through cultural exchanges, film festivals and joint initiatives. Swiss films Caged Birds (2021) and Unrest (2022) won numerous accolades and awards at Beijing International Film Festival, further deepening cultural exchanges.

The Switzerland Film Week screening event will be held during this session of the BJIFF. It will bring to the public a total of six Swiss masterpieces with artistic depth and humanistic warmth, namely Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000, The Salamander, The Sparrow in the Chimney, Alpha., The Landscape and the Fury, and The Courageous. This event builds a bridge for dialogue between Chinese and Swiss civilizations through the language of the lens. The Opening Ceremony of Switzerland Film Week will be held on the evening of April 20. Representatives of the Embassy of Switzerland in China, Swiss filmmakers and representatives of BJIFF Organizing Committee will all attend. This offers a precious opportunity for Chinese movie fans to learn more about Swiss cinematic creations and get acquainted with Swiss artists and filmmakers. We hope to make films a cultural bond between the people of China and Switzerland, enabling the sincere friendship to be demonstrated and deepened.

Beijing International Film Festival has always adhered to the principle of “Share the Screen, Shape the Future” and played an irreplaceable and important role in promoting the development of China's film industry. This year, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival expanded its international circle of friends by inviting Switzerland as Country of Honor. It’s set to offer movie fans a collection of valuable, emotionally resonant films. Moreover, it will team up with partners worldwide to carry out diversified and multi-level film exchanges and cooperation! Our respect extends not just to movies that deeply move us, but also to the shared human journey they symbolize. Just as the friendship between China and Sweden endures, these poignant cinematic narratives will see continuous growth and evolution in the future.