Labourer's Love is the crown jewel of the China Film Archive and the oldest surviving Chinese narrative film. This special screening will feature a 4K restoration accompanied by a newly composed score performed by the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

The Cave of the Silken Web is the earliest extant costume fantasy film adapted from Journey to the West. Produced by Shanghai Film and Drama Company, the film has a history of nearly a century since its original distribution. Long thought lost, it was rediscovered in Norway in 2014. As a groundbreaking work in early Chinese cinema, the film serves not only as an invaluable artifact for the study of film culture but also as a cultural ambassador showcasing China's cinematic heritage and its century-long exchange with the world.

On the tenth anniversary of its rediscovery, the China Film Archive restoration team has completed a meticulous 4K restoration of The Cave of the Silken Web. This screening will mark its world premiere. A special live score performance will accompany the screening, featuring independent musician ZIP and U.S.-based drummer Feiji. Together, they will use synthesizers, Chinese war drums, and other instruments to reinterpret the classic through a fusion of experimental electronica and traditional Chinese musical elements.

From 1905 to 2025, Chinese cinema has weathered 120 years of evolution. Across this long cinematic journey, countless stars have shone brightly. As part of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's “Beijing Film Panorama”, the special program 120 Years Applause: Chinese Film Special Screening celebrates the legacy of Chinese film and pays homage to the pioneers and stalwarts who shaped its course. This screening is a highlight of the program's BJIFF Special.

We warmly invite audiences to embark on this new audiovisual journey and witness the captivating silver screen creations of China's early cinematic trailblazers!

An independent musician, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and live set performer.

ZIP has participated in various artistic projects across cities such as Beijing, Tokyo, and Shanghai, including audio-visual performances, music festivals, and instrumental concerts. His collaborative album NU-S3RVO VOL.1 was recommended and reported by renowned electronic music media outlet Mixmag. With a strong background in film scoring and a deep curiosity for music and sound, ZIP's work spans genres from electronic and indie rock to jazz, world music, and R&B, often venturing into avant-garde territory. His goal is to evoke emotional and spiritual resonance in audiences through sound.

Feiji

U.S. - based drummer, percussionist, and music producer.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, Guang Jiangcheng has led bands performing in landmark venues such as Boston's iconic Church Plaza. Described by American media as “a uniquely sound from China”, he has performed at the World Music Festival in the U.S. and continually explores new musical frontiers, merging ethnic, electronic, contemporary, and pop styles.