Beijing Film Festival blends global flair and nostalgia

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) officially opened on April 18.

Sun Junmin, Executive Vice Chairman of the BJIFF Organizing Committee, delivered a speech and declared the festival open. Sun highlighted Beijing's pivotal role in the development of Chinese cinema, both as its birthplace and a hub of innovation. He emphasized the city's strengths in creative resources and technology, and its importance in nurturing talent and advancing the film industry.

Fan Yun, deputy editor-in-chief of China Media Group also gave remarks, along with Switzerland's Ambassador to China Juerg Burri, representing this year's guest country of honor.

Fan noted that 2025 marks the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. Since the first Chinese film "Dingjun Mountain" in 1905, the industry has evolved significantly. As a long-time participant in this development, the China Media Group stands ready to continue supporting the future of cinema through systematic media innovation and global partnerships.

This year, the Tiantan Awards, the festival's main competition section, received a record 1,794 entries from 103 countries and regions – an 18.9 percent increase over last year. Fifteen films have been shortlisted, including Chinese productions "Deep in the Mountains" and "Better Me Better You," the Kenya-Germany co-production "Nawi: Dear Future Me," Iran-Czech film "Derno," and Argentina's "The Message." Renowned Chinese director and actor Jiang Wen serves as this year's jury president.

The opening ceremony delighted audiences with nostalgic appearances by beloved animated characters such as the Monkey King, Shuke & Beita, and Afanti. The seven "Calabash Brothers" also surprised the crowd with robotic transformations. Musical highlights from iconic films across the globe evoked 130 years of cinematic history.

The festival will conclude on April 26 with an awards ceremony revealing the ten winners of the Tiantan Awards. The opening ceremony was streamed live by CGTN in six languages and will air on CCTV-3 on April 20, with additional coverage across CCTV's digital platforms.