Meet-and-Greet with Golden Goblet Awards Jury Members | It’s a Blessing to Discuss Films

This afternoon, the first meet-and-greet session with Golden Goblet Awards jury of the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) took place in Shanghai. The Jury President of Golden Goblet Awards’ main competition section, Tran Anh Hung, along with jury members Rolf de Heer, Matthias Glasner, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Santiago Mitre, Sonthar Gyal, and Zhou Xun, all made their appearances.

Speaking of the upcoming selection process, French director and screenwriter Tran Anh Hung, serving as the Jury President of the Golden Goblet Awards’ main competition for the first time, expressed that it is a “great responsibility” and stated, “Being able to focus on discussing films will be a blessing.” Transitioning from an actor to a jury member, Tony Leung Ka Fai felt the “pressure” but also remarked that through SIFF, he feels “honored” to meet many overseas producers and actors. Zhou Xun expressed her delight at being a jury member this time, noting, “People who love movies can enjoy films they wouldn’t normally see at this event. For foreign filmmakers, they can also understand more about China.”

Selection for Golden Goblet Awards:

It’s a blessing to discuss films

Having previously served as a jury member of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 14th SIFF, Tran Anh Hung has a deep connection with the festival. Now leading the jury panel for the main competition, he feels a profound sense of responsibility. “We will engage in thorough discussions. It’s an honor to spend time discussing these films. Personally, I don’t watch many films regularly, but SIFF provides me with the opportunity to concentrate on viewing and discussing films with peers, filmmakers, and friends. This is truly a blessing.”

Tony Leung Ka Fai, who has starred in several Shanghai-themed films and witnessed the city’s development, humorously refers to himself as an “old Shanghai” citizen. His film LOVE NEVER ENDS premiered as the opening film at the 25th SIFF. This year, as a jury member, he feels both pressure and immense honor. “Being a juror is a great learning opportunity for me. Shanghai is the cradle of Chinese cinema, and through SIFF, I have the chance to meet many overseas producers and actors, exchange ideas with them, and witness new trends in the film industry.”

Argentinian director and screenwriter Santiago Mitre eagerly anticipates sharing experiences and exchanging ideas with his peers. However, when it comes to judging films, Mitre prefers not to hold any expectations beforehand. “I prefer the surprises and excitement, as well as what’s completely unexpected that films bring. I hope to enjoy this unique experience.” Zhou Xun also resonates with Mitre’s idea, stating, “I hope to approach films without expectations, to see what kind of impact and emotions they can bring us. Being a juror is a subjective matter, but it’s also about teamwork. We will “communicate” with each film sincerely and genuinely, and discuss them with fellow jurors.”

Cultural Exchange:

To meet the world with an open mindset

SIFF fosters friendship, exchanges and mutual learning through cinema. Films from around the world are embodiments of diverse cultures using different cinematic languages. While there are differences in background and ideology between Eastern and Western cinema cultures, Tran Anh Hung believes that film is a language of communication. “I try to communicate with everyone using this language. Although I am of Asian descent, we all live in the same world, encountering different cultures and countries along similar paths. We must meet with this world with an open mindset. I will concentrate on how to express what I want convey through films.” German director Matthias Glasner had visited Shanghai many years ago and now, as a jury member at SIFF, he hopes to broaden his “cultural perspective” and get to know cultures he couldn’t grasp in Germany through the participating films.

For Chinese director and screenwriter Sonthar Gyal, he has long been favored by SIFF. His films THE SUN BEATEN PATH and GTSANGBO were nominated for the Asian New Talent Award in 2011 and 2015 respectively. In 2018, his third feature film ALA CHANGSO won the Golden Goblet Jury Grand Prix. Living in Qinghai for a long time, his films focus on the cultural and social life of the central and western regions, portraying unique regional cultures and ethnic features. “Due to my background, my first film started from the land I was familiar with, being brought into the public spotlight gradually. This process was especially challenging. I hope more directors can focus on expressing their own ethnic lives; and that’s unmeasurable.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations. As a French director, Tran Anh Hung also hopes to promote cultural exchanges between China and France through filmmaking. “I am very interested in China and eager to collaborate with Chinese filmmakers.” Zhou Xun joked, “Yes, Tony Leung Ka Fai and I can create a story together. And we can discuss on that in depth later.” Tony Leung Ka Fai agreed, “Through films, we can engage in cultural exchanges. There are no barriers between nations in the language of cinema. We can create a great story.”

Film City:

Sharing is at the core of cinema

Shanghai is the birthplace of Chinese cinema, and a thriving city of film. During SIFF, filmmakers from around the world gather, and the carnival of movie enthusiasts kicks off. Everyone enjoys the feast of light and shadow in the city of film, experiencing the beauty of urban life. For Australian jury member Rolf de Heer, if there’s one word to summarize his expectations in the city of film, it’s “engagement with film”. He said, “Everyone asks, ‘What is film?’ Film is universal, global, and this is its true meaning.”

Argentinian jury member Santiago Mitre eagerly looks forward to “sharing and exchanging” with everyone in the city of film. “Sharing with and learning from the audience and fellow jury members during the film-viewing process is the essence of cinema.”

German jury member Matthias Glasner believes that being a jury member in the city of film will become an unforgettable experience in his life, saying, “Through the film festival, we understand the audience, people, establish deep friendships, become good friends, even lifelong friends.” In the next ten days, SIFF will be the focus of attention. “Through the film festival, films will bring everyone an experience like real life,” Glasner added.