Belt and Road Film Week | Filmmakers Globally Pursue the "Path of Courage" Post-Closure

The 26th SIFF Belt and Road Film Week wrapped up on the evening of June 18th with a ceremonial close at the Museum of Art Pudong. The event honored achievements in three categories: "Media Choice Award for Filmmaker", "Media Choice Award for Film", and "Audience Choice Award". Though the Film Week has concluded, the collaborative spirit continues with the launch of the new Belt and Road Film Tour.

Dignitaries present included Wu Jincheng, Deputy Secretary-General of Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee and District Mayor of Pudong New Area; Pan Min, Deputy Director of the Municipal Publicity Department and Director of the Municipal Civilization Office; Jin Mei, Standing Member of Pudong New Area Committee of CPC, Secretary of the Party Group and Executive Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Shanghai International Resort; and Huang Wei, Standing Member and Head of Publicity Department of Pudong New Area Committee of CPC.

A Week of Dynamic Cultural Exchange

The closing ceremony featured an interactive display blending "Tai Chi" and "technology" elements. Actor and host Liang Zhi reflected on the week's events: "The Belt and Road Film Week brought together international filmmakers to immerse in and exchange diverse cultural experiences. The event fostered unforgettable memories and deeper friendships, highlighting the cultural and artistic significance of the festival."

The week's events celebrated cinematic bravery with the theme "Path of Courage", featuring 18 films that challenged audiences to journey alongside protagonists exploring unknown territories. Some films were also showcased in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. Additional activities included a Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance press conference and a film culture roundtable talk to explore opportunities for global industry cooperation. The Latin American Fiesta infused Pudong with vibrant cultural exhibitions, enhancing the integration of business, tourism, culture, and sports. International guests also explored Pudong's rich cultural landscape, which bolstered their confidence in future collaborative ventures.

Honors and Hopes for the Future

Among the 18 films featured, 8 were shortlisted for the festival's honors, which were unveiled during the evening. The winners of the three prestigious honors were also revealed.

The "Media Choice Award for Filmmaker" accolade was awarded to Eva Nathena, director of MURDERESS. The award was presented by Nina Rodriguez, Curator Director of the Guanajuato International Film Festival, and Cao Fei, a renowned Chinese artist and director, emphasizing the global appreciation for innovative cinematic voices.

In her acceptance speech, Eva Nathena, director of MURDERESS, expressed her gratitude, noting that it was her first film and first international festival participation. "I am deeply grateful for this significant opportunity," she stated.

The "Media Choice Award for Filmmaker" award for best performance went to Battsooj Uurtsaikh for his role in IF ONLY I COULD HIBERNATE. The honor was presented by Guillermo Olivares, Curator Director of the Valdivia International Film Festival in Chile, and Hong Ying, a writer and director.

The "Media Choice Award for Film" award was announced by Ilda Santiago, curator director of the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, and Chinese director Wu Lang, going to THE SETTLERS.

Felipe Gálvez, director of THE SETTLERS, shared his excitement about his first visit to China and participation in the Belt and Road Film Week. "A film's success hinges on its audience. Set in early 20th century Chile, I'm thrilled that it has resonated here in China as well," he said.

The announcement of the "Audience Choice Award", determined by attendee votes, brought the ceremony to an exhilarating peak. Film director and actor Da Peng and actress and producer Yao Chen, both ambassadors of the Belt and Road Film Week, unveiled the award.

THE MIDSUMMER'S VOICE, a collaborative effort by emerging Chinese director Zhang Yudi and a team of young actors, received the accolade. Zhang spoke passionately about the film's journey, linked to the Belt and Road initiative: "Last year, this film was part of the Far East Film Festival in Italy, and this year it has returned to the Shanghai International Film Festival as if it traveled back along the 'Belt and Road'."

Scheduled for a July release in Chinese cinemas, Zhang hopes the film "will evoke memories of youth and dreams for all viewers".

Film Tour Launch: Anticipation Builds for Future Collaborations

The two ambassadors also expressed their sentiments at the event. Yao Chen discussed the amalgamation of films from different countries at the Belt and Road Film Week, which she said conveyed cultural emotions and brought comfort and strength to many. "I look forward to taking these films abroad with more creators to foster exchanges and inspire collisions of ideas," she noted.

Da Peng reflected on the quick passage of the film week, which fostered exchanges and participation among international friends. "It's hard to say goodbye. I eagerly anticipate next year's festival, where we can continue to meet and share the magic of cinema," he commented.

Their hopes for ongoing filmmaker interactions are far from over. The closing ceremony culminated with Wu Jincheng, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government , Deputy Secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee, and District Mayor of Pudong New Area, and Pan Min, Deputy Director of the Municipal Publicity Department and Director of the Municipal Civilization Office, joining Da Peng and Yao Chen to inaugurate a new round of the Belt and Road Film Tour.

Previously, 17 distinguished domestic films made their way to the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh this January, deepening exchanges between Chinese and Bangladeshi filmmakers. During this year's Spring Festival, ABSENCE traveled to Iran for the tour and was featured in Tehran during the 42nd Fajr International Film Festival, earning audience acclaim. In April, MAY, directed by Luo Dong and recommended through this touring mechanism, debuted at the 46th Moscow International Film Festival, competing in the documentary section for the main competition.

The influence of cinema extends far beyond the confines of the screen. Looking ahead, the collaborative journey initiated at the Belt and Road Film Week, supported by the Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, will continue to unfold, expand, and deepen. Stay tuned for more excitement to come.