It's time for movie fans to gorge themselves on during the 2019 Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), which will kick off on Saturday.

More than 500 fiction and non-fiction films from across the globe will be showcased. Now in its 22nd session, the film bash runs till June 24.

Here is a list of what to see at the SIFF.

Impressive jury line-up & film shortlist

Juries comprising celebrated artists and experts from the Chinese and international film industry are gathering in Shanghai for the festival. Turkish director and screenwriter Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Italian director and screenwriter Paolo Genovese, Chinese actress Zhao Tao and Chinese film director Zhou Hao are among the jury line-up.

The nomination lineup for Golden Goblet Award, the main prize, is marked by films from around the world. Three Chinese films, including Chinese actress and director Qin Hailu's "The Return", are on the list. Other films are made by directors from Japan, India, Kazakhstan, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Russia, Iran, Georgia and Mexico.

Focus on Asia

Promoting exchange and mutual learning among Asian films has long been a major focus of the SIFF. A total of 1,772 films from 39 Asian countries and regions have signed up this year, either for competition or for exhibition, setting a record high.

This year marks the first time to set up five exhibitions on Asian films, focusing on films from Indonesia, Iran, Thailand, India and Japan respectively.

In terms of cooperation on the film market, the SIFF also launches two projects – "Focusing on Iran" and "Focusing on Thailand". Film industry insiders from both countries will have more opportunities for cooperation with filmmakers from China and other countries through the projects.

The SIFF also plans to set up a "SIFF ASIA" framework, which will include Asian Film Panorama, Asian Project Co-production, Asian Film Salon and Asian Station Express in addition to the Asian New Talent Awards to encourage the creation and development of new films.

Broadcast via "5G+4K+AI" for the first time

The opening ceremony of the SIFF will be broadcast live on Channel 4K of China Media Group (CMG) for the first time on the evening of June 15.

It's the first case of using 5G+4K technology to broadcast a large-scale cultural activity in China.

In addition to the live broadcast of the gala night, CMG will also install 4K big FHD screen in Shanghai Film City, the main venue of SIFF, and use 5G technology to broadcast live coverage of SIFF activities. AI technology will also be used during the broadcast.

Film Panorama

A film festival is always a carnival for film fans as many old and classic films will be shown in the cinema. During this year, over 500 films will be shown in 47 cinemas across Shanghai. There're two cinemas for "Belt and Road" films and documentary films respectively. 

Different sections based on various themes have been set up, including "Tribute to the Masters", "Global Village" and "Flying to the moon". Representative films under different sections will be presented during the film festival.

'Belt & Road' Week

A "Belt and Road" film week featuring screenings and discussions will also be part of the festival. The Shanghai International Film Festival has started the "Belt and Road" section in 2015.

The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance was formed last year during the 21st SIFF. At the opening ceremony, the alliance will reveal the seven new members that join the organization recently. With the seven newcomers, the alliance now has 38 festival organizations from 33 countries.

During the "Belt & Road" week, 24 films recommended by the alliance will be presented. Round-table discussions, Movie Night, film-cultural tour, and other activities will also be held.

Cover photo by Du Chenxin