BJIFF Illuminates “Going Global” Path as Chinese Films Gain Worldwide Acclaim
On November 14, Chinese and foreign filmmakers gathered on the scenic banks of the Nile to attend the light and shadow feast of “Beijing Film Night”. The shimmering waves of the Nile intertwined with the starlight, creating a setting ripe for creation inspiration, where attendees collectively witnessed the charm and brilliance of Chinese cinematic art. Chinese films are becoming new ambassadors for the spread of Chinese culture, traveling throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America with the help of the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) overseas promotion series. They add a vibrant splash of Chinese color to global cultural diversity through their distinct perspectives and storytelling methods.
▍ “Beijing Film Night" Injects "Beijing Momentum" into the Global Film Industry”
Film is a universal artistic language. “Beijing Film Night” has brought the charm of Chinese stories into the spotlight on the international stage. In May of this year, it ignited the early summer passion on the beaches of the Cannes Film Festival. In November, it shone brightly in countries such as Egypt, Vietnam, and Jordan, encouraging exchanges and collaborations between Chinese and foreign filmmakers and promoting deeper integration within the film industry.
As an international film promotion event, “Beijing Film Night” not only showcases the vigorous development of Chinese cinema and the BJIFF's global influence but also serves as a bridge connecting world cultures. Since 2015, it has left its footprints in cities such as Cairo, Toronto, Los Angeles, Busan, and Warsaw, attracting the attention of many industry elites. It has become a vital platform for cultural exchange, business transactions, and international collaboration in the film industry.
BJIFF Overseas Promotion Series
▍ BJIFF Events Around the World
The Arabic proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”, was vividly reflected at Cairo's "Beijing Film Night". Zhao Weidong, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee in charge of daily work and operations, and Vice Chairman of the BJIFF Organizing Committee, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Hussein Fahmy, President of the Cairo International Film Festival. To support the mutual prosperity of the film industries in China and Egypt, filmmakers from both countries will share resources, learn from one another, and work together. Both sides will also use their respective film festival platforms to expand their cinematic exchanges and collaboration.
Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation at Cairo's “Beijing Film Night”
Meanwhile, the film Decoded made its African premiere during the "Chinese Film Week" at the Cairo International Film Festival. Director Chen Sicheng was filled with joy in front of the enthusiastic Egyptian audience. He said that Decoded represents a fresh exploration of his creation style, telling a Chinese story through a universal cinematic language. The film's premiere in Egypt not only showcased the charm of Chinese cinema but also further bridged the cultural exchange between China and Egypt, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries. During the event, Essam Zakaria, Artistic Director of the Cairo International Film Festival, presented Chen Sicheng with the Golden Pyramid Honorary Award.
The Audience Watched Decoded Together
In addition to “Beijing Film Night”, the BJIFF has opened up new avenues for the international dissemination of Chinese cinema through a variety of platforms, including overseas screenings and Sino-foreign co-production project promotion events, injecting strong "Beijing momentum" in the global film industry. On November 7, with the launch of the “BJIFF Overseas Screening” in Bangkok, Thailand, the showcased films Chang An and G for Gap not only demonstrated the depth and breadth of Chinese culture but also sparked a new upsurge in cultural exchange between China and Thailand.
Scene from the “BJIFF Overseas Screening” in Bangkok
In Lima, the capital of Peru, the BJIFF, as one of the organizers of the 2024 “Chinese Film Festival” in Peru, screened nine films, including Endless Journey, offering local audiences a visual feast. Peruvian moviegoers were captivated by the allure of Chinese cinema and became devoted fans of Chinese films.
In Amman, the capital of Jordan, China · Beijing Film Panorama screened four films: Lost in the Stars, Johnny Keep Walking!, The Goldfinger and Customs Frontline. The screenings were well-received by the audience, with the theaters packed to capacity, demonstrating the increasingly sophisticated industrial standards of Chinese cinema.
Scene from the “China · Beijing Film Panorama” in Amman
As the Film Panorama progressed, Jordan hosted the China-Jordan Film Cooperation Exchange Seminar and Contract Signing Ceremony. Representatives from the BJIFF Organizing Committee, Royal Film Commission of Jordan, key local film and television companies, and filmmakers attended the seminar and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The aim is to promote collaboration in the film and television industries and deepen cultural exchanges between both countries.
As a significant cultural platform, the BJIFF not only showcases the magnificent interplay of global cinematic styles, but also actively supports the “going global” initiative of Chinese films and culture. It demonstrates the concept of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind through the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations.
▍ “China · Beijing Film Joint Booth” Injects “Beijing Vitality” into the Global Film Industry
From November 15th to 22nd, during the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, the "China · Beijing Film Joint Booth" became a bridge of light and shadow, helping the overseas dissemination of Beijing films and allowing "Beijing Productions" to shine brightly under the global cinematic spotlight.
Beijing, China's Cultural Center, is home to the country's top film resources and talent. Almost all major film companies from across the country and around the world have set up creative and operational entities or branches in Beijing. The city hosts many leading film companies and over 5,000 institutions specializing in film production, accounting for about 40% of China's total film companies.
A well-organized film delegation from Beijing made a striking appearance in Cairo, with a joint exhibition booth. It drew active participation from 32 film and television companies, including Yitong Legend, Dirty Monkeys, Enlight Pictures, Maoyan Entertainment, and Huayi Brothers.
As crowds gathered, the venue was alive with energy. The screen displayed highlights from excellent Chinese films and stunning BJIFF promotional videos, transporting the audience to a world of wonderful stories. The posters of films such as The Dumpling Queen and Operation Hadal are like flowing scrolls, showing the creation achievements of Beijing films in recent years. Each poster tells a unique story, carrying dreams and glory within its frames.
Here, films are more than just moving images - they are seeds of dreams and cultural ambassadors. The "China · Beijing Film Joint Booth" uses passion and creativity to create a bridge of light and shadow shining in Cairo's night sky, allowing Beijing's films to blossom with boundless imagination on the international stage. According to preliminary statistics, during the event, member companies of the delegation held in-depth business discussions with 82 institutions and organizations from around the world. These discussions drew participants from over 30 countries and regions, demonstrating Beijing's film industry's international influence and collaborative potential and laying a solid foundation for its future development.
At the Booth
▍ BJIFF Gathers Global Film Dreamers, Writing a New Chapter in International Exchange
The BJIFF highlights not only the capital's enchanting spring scenery and poetic charm, but also China's openness and vision for global connectivity and collaborative development.
Over the past 14 years, the BJIFF has facilitated many Sino-foreign co-production projects, creating cross-border collaboration opportunities for filmmakers. It has also screened outstanding films from around the world, significantly contributing to cultural exchange between China and other countries.
Enlightened by films, united as one. On the BJIFF's broad international platform, an increasing number of global film dreamers will gather, embarking on a shared journey to shape the future of storytelling through the magic of cinema.