Belt and Road Film Week | Culinary and Cultural Journey: International Filmmakers Tour Pudong

On June 17, as part of the 26th SIFF, invited filmmakers from abroad participating in the Belt and Road Film Week took a group city walk through Pudong, Shanghai. This excursion wasn't just for leisure—it was a deep dive into Pudong's distinctive cultural and tourism offerings, enhancing their understanding of Shanghai's heritage and witnessing its modern evolution.

Duoyun Books:

Viewing Pujiang's Beauty, Finding Favorite Books

The filmmakers' first stop was the Duoyun Books flagship store, located on the 52nd floor of the Shanghai Tower. There, guests were treated to breathtaking views of the cityscape and the Huangpu River from behind panoramic glass windows. Iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center stood out against the sprawling urban backdrop. Inside, an extensive collection of books and creative products captured their attention, pulling them away from the scenery to peruse and pick various titles.

Guillermo Olivares, a film selector from the Valdivia International Film Festival in Chile, chose three comic books. "I got these for my child and for myself," he shared, explaining his lifelong love for comics and culture. With his child now 19, comics remain a vital connection between them."

Leveraging the Belt and Road Film Week, it was Guillermo's first visit to Shanghai, where he met industry peers from around the world. In his free time, he loved to walk the city streets, observing the bustling activity. "Big" was his first impression of Shanghai; "rich" was his second, referring to the city's wealth of cultural venues, artistic events, and the treasure trove of bookstores offering rare finds not available in Chile.

Xin Chang Ancient Town:

Savoring Chinese Cuisine and Admiring Old Street Architecture

The filmmakers' adventure continued beyond the skyscrapers of Lujiazui to the tranquil Xin Chang Ancient Town. Here, the sharp contrast between modernity and tradition impressed the group. Wandering through the town with its picturesque white walls and traditional tiled roofs, the scent of local delicacies led them to capture many moments with their cameras.

Felipe, the director of the Chilean film THE SETTLERS, enjoyed authentic wontons for the first time. A fan of the dish since trying it in France's Chinatown, he remarked, "It's wonderful to finally experience genuine wontons in Shanghai". His passion for cooking also led him to purchase a steamer, adding a piece of authentic Chinese culinary gear to his collection.

Eva Nathena, director of the Greek film MURDERESS, chose a set of Hanfu attire. She expressed her appreciation for tradition and craftsmanship, stating, "Regardless of technological advancement, I cherish traditional, handmade items because they possess a warmth technology cannot replicate."

Meanwhile, Michael Lee from the Irish Silk Road International Film Festival spent much of his visit photographing the town. "It's utterly surprising!" he said, captivated by the architecture and local life, capturing scenes of the old streets and shops and pausing to rest in the scenic alleyways.

Disneytown and Bicester Village:

Immersive Experiences

At Disneytown's SoReal VR in Pudong, visiting filmmakers took the opportunity to explore Shanghai's advancements in the film industry. They not only experienced the VR cinema, immersively stepping into the mythological romance THE JAYNE MANSFIELD STORY, but were also captivated by a grand light show featuring the story of the Monkey King.

At the "Latin American Fiesta" carnival in Bicester Village, they lingered among the distinctive booths and brand stores of the town, leaving with their hands full.

The international filmmakers collectively expressed their unforgettable experiences in Shanghai. They look forward to using the Belt and Road Film Week as a platform to expand their countries' films into this vast market. Fernando E. Juan Lima, chairman of the Mar del Plata Film Festival from Argentina, expressed his hope that Argentine films could attract more viewers in Shanghai. "Shanghai is vast, with a broad market and a promising future," he noted.