The second Beijing International Dance Video Art Festival began on April 28, featuring film screenings, workshops, contests, performances, and a special dance visualization forum. Serving as one of the signature events of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival, the venue offers hundreds of dance-related activities during the course of the May Day holiday golden week.

Under the theme "Harmony", the Beijing International Dance Video Festival aims to encourage greater collaboration and innovation in the fields of dance and film by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of both artforms among the public.

"We have 65 finalists out of 124 submitted dance videos from around the world," said Gao Shan, the creative director of the festival. "The finalists will be screened at the 'Focus' unit of the festival, and the jury will select winners from them."

Outstanding dance films have also been selected and will be screened during the Beijing International Film Festival. These include Chinese dance films such as Dance Charm and Ballet in War as well as international productions including a 3D-version of Pina, Cunningham, Dancer, La Danseuse and Chhakka Panja 4. All of these films will be shown in designated theaters around Beijing over the course of the festival.

At the opening gala, Tai Lihua, dancer and president of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, presented her new work Dream to guests. Dancers with disabilities challenged stereotypes as they danced beneath the bright, flashing lights. Organizers said dance is a form of empowerment, especially at a moment when the performing arts and film industry struggle to recover from the pandemic.

"Videos are a form of art with plenty of room to develop in many countries," said Cao Chengyuan, chair of the jury at the festival. "This cross-border performance allows dance art to be combined with diverse scenarios, characters, props, and new technologies." He said the festival would continue to inspire by promoting diversity and open-mindedness.