2024-06-20

SIFF MARKET | 2024 Summer Blockbuster Film Trade Fair (Part II)

Following the enthusiastic response on the first day, the SIFF MARKET of Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) continued to host the special event, the "Summer Blockbuster Film Trade Fair”, at the Shanghai Exhibition Center on June 18. Another lineup of major summer blockbusters was unveiled, drawing significant attention from the industry and movie enthusiasts.

This trade fair provides a high-end, professional exchange platform for film producers, distributors, cinema operators, directors, screenwriters, and media representatives from around the world. It offers insights into the operational rules of the Chinese film market and highlights the “value” of the SIFF MARKET as an industry "barometer."

Exciting Presentations and Promotions

Chen Nan, Director of Publicity at Alibaba Pictures, presented a variety of summer blockbusters they are involved in promoting, including MOMENTS WE SHARED, CUSTOMS FRONTLINE, WELCOME TO MY SIDE, UPSTREAM, FALL INTO THE MORTAL WORLD, and UNDER ONE PERSON. These films greatly enrich the summer lineup with a range of genres. Among these major summer releases are youth-themed films featuring young talents like Peng Yuchang and Yu Shi, action blockbusters led by star-studded casts such as Nicholas Tse and Jacky Cheung, realistic dramas about a middle-aged programmer turning to food delivery after losing his job, and "new Chinese-style" animated films bringing traditional Chinese mythology to the big screen. In addition to summer blockbusters, Chen Nan, along with film creators Jiang Zhiqiang, Fang Li, Zhong Ding, and Huang Long, also promoted several upcoming films that are yet to be scheduled for release. These include THE LAST DANCE, CITY IN FLAME, AGAINST THE WIND, THE SINKING OF LISBON MARU, THE MIDSUMMER'S VOICE, SHADOW, A TABLE FOR TWO, 7 DAYS, and BOUND FOR HEAVEN.

Maoyan Pictures shared six upcoming summer releases. The hilarious comedy SUCCESSOR, directed by Yan Fei and Peng Damo and starring Shen Teng and Ma Li, is set for release on July 18. The ancient-style animated film THE UMBRELLA FAIRY, adapted from a popular original manga IP, is scheduled for July 6. Chen Sicheng directs and writes the new commercial genre film DECODED, which tells the legendary life of a code-breaking genius. A PLACE CALLED SILENCE, a new suspense thriller from SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD director Ke Wenli, promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. REBIRTH, directed by Marc Ma, is his second gangster action film, reuniting him with actors Nick Cheung and Ethan Juan after WOLF HIDING. Lastly, UNTOUCHABLE, starring Shen Teng and Zhang Yuqi, focuses on the turbulent underworld of Macau before its return to China in the late 1990s. All these films will soon be hitting theaters.

Bona Film Group brought three diverse and distinctive films: THE DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER, A LEGEND, and OPERATION LEVIATHAN. These films reflect Bona Film Group's unique artistic pursuit and craftsmanship while showcasing the boundless charm and vitality of Chinese cinema to the world.

Poly Film presented two war films. BIOCHEMICAL REVELATIONS 731, directed by Zhao Linshan, took ten years to create, revealing the horrific crimes committed by Japan's Unit 731 in Northeast China. This film is not only a reflection of the brutality of war but also a story of courage, sacrifice, and humanity. Poly Film's Content Center Production Manager, Kou Tianzi, introduced BREAK THROUGH, based on the true events of the breakout from Daqingshan. It chronicles the growth of students like Su Fan from the first branch of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University. Both films showcase the horrors of war and the brilliance of human nature from different perspectives, promising to bring shock and emotion to the summer audience.

Representatives from Xiao Xiang Pictures Co., Ltd. promoted two films. THE BEGINNING, co-produced by Xiaoxiang Film Group, China Academy of Art, and Hunan Dangran Films, is a significant revolutionary historical film that tells the adventurous journey of young Mao Zedong and his senior Xiao Zisheng in the summer of 1917. SHINE FROM THE ABYSS, based on the true story of "Model of the Times" honoree Wan Buyan, focuses on deep-sea technological innovation, highlighting a new mainstream theme in Chinese cinema.

Elmita Films' founder and director Du Liang presented THE PERFECT HOLIDAY, a children's sports competition film featuring entirely non-professional actors. The heartfelt father-daughter relationship and genuine sports competition scenes offered a unique experience to the attendees, filling the gap in children's live-action films. The film's producers expressed that although children's live-action movies currently face significant challenges in the commercial market, they believe this genre will eventually come into its own. They hope more innovators will pay attention to and participate in this field.

The SIFF MARKET of this year's Shanghai International Film Festival officially concluded on June 18. The theme of "return" echoed throughout the market, with the global film industry making a strong comeback. With these blockbuster films entering the fray, this summer's box office is expected to achieve new heights. Outside the market, prominent filmmakers introduced new topics for discussion, such as segmented distribution, which will have a substantial and lasting impact on the industry. The platform provided by the SIFF for industry leaders to exchange ideas is sure to infuse the vast Chinese film market with renewed vitality and endless possibilities.

See you next year!