Shu Qi Appointed President of the Final Jury for Project Pitches at the 16th BJIFF: From the Silver Screen to Supporting the Next Generation of Cinema
As a quintessential icon of Chinese-language cinema, Shu Qi has etched a legacy of unforgettable moments onto the silver screen, defined by her unwavering dedication to the craft and a sharp, instinctive artistic intuition. Today, the 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) is proud to officially announce Shu Qi as President of the Final Jury for Project Pitches at this year's BJIFF. A filmmaker who seamlessly bridges the worlds of performance and creation, Shu Qi possesses a rare duality: a global cinematic perspective harmonized with local cultural roots. Bringing both veteran industry insight and a vibrant, contemporary creative lens, she stands ready to discover and nurture the vital new voices that will shape the future of Chinese cinema.
Shu Qi, Jury President for Project Pitches
Since her debut, Shu Qi has demonstrated remarkable acting talent in the film industry. In 2001, the film Millennium Mambo, in which Shu Qi starred, was selected for the Competition of the 54th Festival de Cannes. From the sophisticated, urban resonance of Liang Xiaoxiao in If You Are the One to the fiercely passionate Miss Duan in Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, and the enigmatic Shirley Yang in the blockbuster Mojin - The Lost Legend, Shu Qi has proven herself as more than a box-office powerhouse; she has become a definitive symbol of genre-driven storytelling in Chinese-language cinema. Her transformative portrayal of the titular character in Hou Hsiao-hsien's The Assassin further solidified her critical acclaim, earning her the Best Actress Award at the 10th Asian Film Awards. Over a storied career spanning three decades, she has mastered a rare equilibrium between high art and commercial appeal, achieved through her precise and soulful capture of the most nuanced human emotions.
A Still from The Assassin
In recent years, while continuing to refine her mastery of the performance craft, Shu Qi has boldly expanded her creative horizons. The year 2025 marked a breathtaking leap in her storied career: her directorial debut, Girl - which she also penned - was selected for the Competition Section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Her visionary work behind the camera further earned her the Best Director Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival. By early 2026, the film's impact continued to resonate, securing her prestigious nominations for Best New Director, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards.
In Girl, Shu Qi reveals a profound and sensitive engagement with complex social issues. Her transition from the brilliance of the spotlight to the contemplative space behind the lens marks a significant evolution: from a global screen icon into a formidable independent creator. This firsthand mastery across the entire cinematic value chain equips her to evaluate every project pitch with a broader, more inclusive perspective.
A Still from Girl
Shu Qi's contributions to the cinematic arts extend far beyond her iconic performances; she has long been a pivotal voice in the international film community. Her esteemed service on the Main Competition juries of the Berlin, Cannes, and Venice International Film Festivals marks a rare "grand slam" of jury participation across Europe's three most prestigious film festivals. In 2024, this global recognition reached a new pinnacle when she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars. She officially became a voting member for the Academy Awards.
In addition to her global perspective, Shu Qi has consistently dedicated her enthusiasm and care to supporting the growth of young filmmakers. After receiving an invitation from emerging director Chen Shizhong for his feature debut Good Autumn, Mommy, Shu Qi agreed to join the project without hesitation after reading the script. Taking on dual roles as producer and lead actress, she broke away from her previous screen image to portray a rural woman's journey of awakening. Not only did she lend her experience to guide a newcomer, but she was also inspired by the director's unwavering conviction, embracing the opportunity to explore and experiment through the lens of an emerging creative voice. This heartfelt commitment to "cinematic legacy" perfectly aligns with the BJIFF Project Pitches' mission to "discover emerging forces".
A Still from Good Autumn, Mommy
Shu Qi shares a profound and enduring connection with the BJIFF. In 2018, she brought her discerning artistic eye to the 8th BJIFF as a member of the Tiantan Award Jury, contributing to the selection of the festival's most outstanding cinematic works. As a cornerstone of the BJIFF, Project Pitches serves as a vital bridge, transforming "great stories" into "exceptional films". This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Project Pitches - a significant milestone that celebrates the appointment of its first female President of Final Jury. As a filmmaker of immense international influence, Shu Qi's leadership introduces a more diverse and nuanced range of evaluation criteria to the BJIFF Project Pitches, enriched by a unique female perspective. Drawing upon her acute sensitivity as an actress, her comprehensive vision as a director, and three decades of profound industry experience, she will help BJIFF cultivate an incubation system that balances global acuity with professional inclusivity. Under her guidance, the festival continues to pave the way for the emerging forces of Chinese-language cinema to flourish in an even broader creative landscape.
This spirit embodies the enduring vision of the BJIFF Project Pitches: "Arrive with a story, leave with a film". Under Shu Qi's visionary guidance, we look forward to witnessing a new generation of outstanding works - rich in human resonance and commercial vitality - take root and flourish on the BJIFF stage. Together, we will collectively write the next brilliant chapter in the storied legacy of Chinese-language cinema.