9th Beijing Int'l Film Festival unveils first batch of film screenings

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The first batch of 100 film screenings for the main event at this year's Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) was unveiled on Thursday.

Co-hosted by the Beijing Municipal People's Government and China Media Group (CMG), the annual event, in its ninth edition this year, is scheduled to take place from April 13 to 20 in China's capital city under the theme "Home, Country."

According to Wang Jue, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, more creative and diverse events will be held surrounding the theme to showcase a panoramic picture of the development of Chinese cultural industries, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Wang Jue, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, introduces the general plan of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival at a press conference in Beijing, China, March 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

Since its establishment in 2011, the Beijing International Film Festival has grown to be one of the most prestigious and star-studded film festivals in Asia.

This year's festival includes seven main events: the main competition section "Tiantan Awards," the out-of-competition section "Beijing Film Panorama," theme forums "Beijing Plan," Beijing Market, Film Carnival, the opening ceremony, as well as the closing and awards ceremony.

It will also feature other special sections like "Film Concert" and "Forward Future" with more than 300 activities. The public can not only watch the screenings but also participate in diverse events to savor the charm of the film.

A visual feast of films

A combination of posters for some of the films from different countries and regions, which will be screened at the "Beijing Film Panorama" section.

A total of 775 films from 85 countries and regions have signed up for the main competition to date, including 107 domestic films and 668 foreign works. Among them, 105 pieces are making their world premieres in Beijing.

The jury line-up, which has not yet been announced, will consist of seven globally famed filmmakers, selecting the winners of 10 Tiantan Awards.

The out-of-competition section "Beijing Film Panorama" will feature about 500 movie masterpieces from all over the world, which are being screened in 30 cinemas, film institutions and universities across the city from April 6 to 21.

A combination of three film posters shows part of Jin Yong's film adaptations to be screened during the 9th BJIFF.

As one of the festival's core events, this part is being divided into numerous individual sub-sections with different themes.

For instance, "Special Exhibition: 1939, 1959, 2019" will introduce numerous important film works in the development and history of Chinese films.

The festival will also commemorate the late lionized Chinese martial arts author Louis Cha, widely known by his pen name Jin Yong.

Some of his most famous film adaptations, such as "Swordsman" and "The Eagle Shooting Heroes" will be screened at a special section titled "Master Jin Yong."

A combination of posters shows three films that will be screened at the "Restored Classics" section during the 9th BJIFF.

Masterpieces by several directors, such as one of the most influential Japanese filmmakers Akira Kurosawa, Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron, and veteran Chinese director Tsai Ming-liang, will also be showcased.

Special screenings will bring back to big screens restored classics such as "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Schindler's List," as well as hit series like "Mad Max" and "The Bourne" franchise.

Aside from the main competition and the "Beijing Film Panorama" screening section, audiences will also get to see the works of up-and-coming filmmakers in the "Forward Future" section, and a combination of art and the most cutting-edge technologies in the "Tech" section.

Online ticketing will begin from 12 a.m. on April 1. Tickets can be booked on Alibaba's online ticketing platform Taopiaopiao.

What else can we expect?

The organizing committee of the 2019 BJIFF holds a press conference in Beijing, China, March 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo

This year's BJIFF will host more forums, including a special forum that reviews the development of Chinese films over 70 years, as well as other discussions on topics such as art films, digital technology, Internet films, international film market, etc.

As one of the festival's most popular events, this year's "Film Carnival" section will run from April 14 to May 1 at the China Film Group Huairou Studios in Beijing's northern Huairou District.

The event provides for an immersive entertainment experience with numerous film-themed interactive activities.

People participate in the "Film Carnival" during the 8th BJIFF at the China Film Group Huairou Studios in Huairou District, Beijing, China, April 14, 2018. /VCG Photo

What was formerly the "Film Market" section is now the "Beijing Market" and will take place at Beijing International Hotel for four days until April 19.

With a brand new copyright trading platform and a new exhibition plan, this year's "Beijing Market" plans to open up more channels and introduce more resources, aiming to stimulate IP incubation and enhance the international cooperation.

It is also noteworthy that this year's festival will also feature a special "Indian Films Week," featuring famous Bollywood filmmakers.

(Cover: The organizing committee of the 2019 BJIFF holds a press conference in Beijing, China, March 21, 2019. /CGTN Photo)

Video by Hong Yaobin, Xu Haoming