Monday, April 22, 2024

Ground laid for foreign journalists to visit site of Beijing intl. film festival

BEIJING- During a program arranged by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC), a number of foreign journalists visited the site of Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) at Langyuan Station Cultural Center in Beijing on Friday (April 19).

In their on-site visit, the journalists also participated in the BJIFF related activities and got familiar with the cinema sector in China.

The highly anticipated 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) kicked off in Beijing on Thursday evening, with Chinese and foreign filmmakers taking to the red carpet for the opening ceremony.

Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group (CMG), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony and shared his outlook on the Chinese film industry.

A variety of engaging activities were planned, including discussions on topics such as the global distribution of Chinese films and the evolving role of domestic cinema productions at international festivals. With guests from North America, Europe, South America and Japan, the event promises to spark insightful conversations and pave the way for Chinese cinema's global rise in today's dynamic and burgeoning industry landscape.

Langyuan train station is in Jiangfu Park, North-East Beijing, between the Ba River and the Liangma River. These rivers have been a strategic infrastructure in North East Beijing area and a key feature of its industrial landscape. 

As reported by the China Global Television Network (CGTN), stars, industry insiders and the broader global film fraternity gathered on the red carpet of the Beijing International Film Festival this year, sharing their experiences and insights during the opening ceremony of the annual event. They engaged in fervent discussions, probing the impact of films on societal progress, while also dissecting the evolving landscape of cinematic expression, particularly regarding realism and the rise of short-form content.

When asked about their presence at the festival, distinguished figures such as Cameron Bailey, chief executive officer of the Toronto International Film Festival, and Ilda Santiago, director of the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, expressed their admiration for the Chinese film industry and the vibrant cultural exchange facilitated by such events.

Reflecting on the pivotal role of films in fostering social progress, director Chen Zhuo emphasized their ability to touch hearts and shape societal values. This sentiment was echoed by esteemed actor Jiang Wu, who credited the industry's growth to both a conducive environment and the passionate dedication of filmmakers.

The allure of realism in films was a central topic, with actress Xu Fan and actor Wang Jingchun advocating for its authenticity, which they believed resonated deeply with audiences. They contended that realistic portrayals capture the essence of everyday life, engendering a good connection between viewers and the producers.

Furthermore, the discussion veered towards the evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling, including the burgeoning prominence of short videos. Director Chen Yu hailed the diverse narrative formats, foreseeing their indispensable role in future storytelling endeavors. However, Derek Hui, another director, cautioned against imposing rigid distinctions between mediums, advocating instead for a focus on narrative quality irrespective of length.

It should be noted that the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC), under the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), that arranged this program for the foreign journalists, has initiated a program to build a platform for the media from countries around the world, especially developing countries, to observe China and study development in this country.

The program aimed at media exchange was halted in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

In each edition of the program, journalists from all around the world gather together to get familiar with the modern China and exchange their experiences in the field of journalism.

In 2024 edition of the program, scheduled to be held from late February until late June, over 100 journalists from more than 90 countries are participating.

Photo by Mahnaz Abdi

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