In the blazing heat of June, the Shanghai International Film Festival returns with cinematic splendor. More than 400 films are set to be screened during this year's edition, honoring legends like Yuan Muzhi while spotlighting emerging Asian auteurs, reviving classics in stunning 4K restorations, and showcasing the boundless imagination of new sci-fi films.

From this global tapestry, CGTN has selected a range of exceptional films that capture diverse cultures and cross-border collaborations. We invite you to explore our recommended list and witness the vibrant pulse of world cinema.

In keeping with our "see the difference" ethos, this selection showcases a variety of genres and multicultural perspectives.

These works include:

"The Guardian of Stories"​​ from Laos, a documentary about cultural heritage.

"Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts"​​ from China, a film that weaves dual narrative threads, one about criminal clues and the other about family ethics.

"Black, Red, Yellow"​​ from Kyrgyzstan, woven around the thread of traditional carpet craftsmanship.

"Vermiglio"​​ from Italy, France, and Belgium, set against the majestic backdrop of the Alps, with every frame resembling a masterful painting, while profoundly exploring women's struggles.

"Lesson Learned"​​ from Hungary, an official selection of the Belt and Road Film Week, and a film that confronts violence in education with unflinching realism.​​

"Son"​​ from Russia and Kazakhstan, an animated short exploring family bonds.

"Nine Queens"​​from Argentina, a clever heist comedy that weaves a complex plot.

"Edge of Time"​​ from China, an animation filled with fantasy elements.

"Eraserhead"​​ from the United States, the experimental and avant-garde debut feature by David Lynch.

"Corina"​​ from Mexico, a film offering deeply moving perspectives on life and courage.​​

We champion films that shatter conventions, capture life's raw truths, confront the complexities of cultural heritage, and embrace technical innovation. Each work opens up a profound dialogue on cultural diversity while revealing the multifaceted beauty of our shared humanity.

Join us beyond mere viewing; embark on a journey through the living tapestry of global storytelling. Amidst the dance of light and shadow, feel cinema – the seventh art – ignite intellectual sparks and emotional resonance. Through its poetic language, we transcend borders to touch the universal chords that connect creators and audiences.

CGTN welcomes you to the theaters, to the world and to the untold stories that lie beyond light and shadow.

See the difference, experience the world.