Belt and Road Film Week | A Burst of “Latin American Fiesta”

From June 15 to 18, as a new feature of the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival's “Belt and Road” Film Week, the "Latin American Fiesta" took place in the Shanghai International Resort and several key areas in Pudong. This fiesta included cultural exhibitions, interactive experiences, and official promotions, offering audiences a comprehensive experience of the unique cultural charm of “Belt and Road” countries, especially those in Latin America.

Latin American Fiesta: Sharing Joy

In the Bicester Village within the Shanghai International Resort, a street bursting with South American flavor came to the fore. Here, visitors could enjoy specialty wines from South America, savor local rice dishes, paint their faces in vibrant colors, and wear "lucky" bracelets. They might even hear spontaneous performances of traditional pan flute music by Brazilian artists. The carefree, joyful atmosphere felt as if it had flown in from the other side of the world.

Various booths brought "South American Fiesta" to visitors and film enthusiasts. At the booth run by Deng Xiangji, who operates a liquor brand, visitors could find South American rum, cigars, and handmade crafts she brought back from South America. Deng Xiangji shared that her fascination with the vast, rich, and exotic lands of Latin America began with literary works. "I was captivated by the South America depicted in Hemingway's works when I was a child," she said. Later, she chose to engage in foreign trade with South America and visited Hemingway's hometown. At this "Latin American Fiesta", she hopes to share South American products and its fascinating culture with Chinese tourists and visitors from around the world.

One vibrant food stall, decorated with colorful hats and feathers, is Caesar's Brazilian BBQ booth, offering specialty snacks like chocolate balls, cheese bread, and black bean rice. The rice is specially imported from South America. Caesar has been running restaurants in Shanghai and Sanya for many years. He says that participating in the “Latin American Fiesta” is not just about selling food, but about sharing joy and introducing Brazilian culture to more Chinese friends. Caesar often plays an impromptu tune of "Jasmine Flower" on his flute, greeting passersby and gifting them lucky “bracelets inscribed with words like love, happiness, and a longing for peace”.

Immersive Experience and Interactive Fun

On weekend afternoons, the "Latin American Fiesta" grows increasingly popular, with visitors drawn in by the joyful atmosphere. Many stop to browse the various booths, shop, or savor the delicious food.

Ms. Zhang, a visitor, bought a serving of Brazilian black bean rice. She admitted that she was not familiar with Brazilian cuisine before but stumbled upon the “Latin American Fiesta” while shopping in Bicester Village. Attracted by the unique food, she decided to give it a try. On-site, she enjoyed the performance of a Brazilian flutist, tied a colorful ribbon around her wrist, and immersed herself in the festive atmosphere along with other visitors.

The interactive projects and booths also captivated the visitors, allowing them to experience foreign cultures up close. An 8-year-old girl, holding her father's hand, couldn't move away from a face-painting booth. She chose a rainbow-themed design and excitedly watched as the artist painted it on her face.

Ms. Sun from Gallery YOO introduced that in Latin America, face painting is a unique and ancient traditional art form, which has gained popularity in recent years through the internet. Participating in the “Latin American Fiesta” aims to increase awareness of this art form. "Children love bright colors like rainbows, unicorns, or princess designs, while adults prefer simpler styles or Millard color schemes. We have also prepared some Chinese-style face painting options."

Cooperation and Development: A Win-Win Future

At the “Latin American Fiesta”, film enthusiasts and visitors can also participate in Latin American film guides and cultural salons, enjoy vibrant samba, tango, and Latin American music, watch local traditional costume performances, and experience the rich, exotic culture.

This “Latin American Fiesta” is not just a market for food, drinks, and entertainment. For industry professionals, it is an opportunity for exchange. They can deeply connect with top domestic and international industry resources through events such as resource promotion meetings, thereby improving industry layouts.

The platform has also attracted several guests from Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Chile. These guests took to the stage at the carnival to promote their cultures and tourism, showcasing their participation in the “Belt and Road” Film Week platform and exemplifying the integrated development of business, travel, culture, sports, and exhibitions in the resort area.

The platform created by the SIFF and the Pudong New Area for the “Belt and Road” Film Week is not only a grand event for cultural exchange but also a valuable opportunity for countries along the “Belt and Road” to explore new commercial markets. It is hoped that the Film Week will be a starting point for “frequent exchanges” among filmmakers and extensive cooperation among enterprises from various countries, leading to a prosperous future together.