Italian Director Giuseppe Tornatore to Chair the Jury of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 27th SIFF

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is scheduled to take place from June 13 to 22, 2025.

Renowned Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore has been appointed as the jury president for the main competition section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 27th SIFF. Tornatore is the winner of the Grand Prix at the 42nd Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 62nd Oscars for NUOVO CINEMA PARADISO, and the Grand Jury Prize at the 52nd Venice International Film Festival for THE STAR MAKER, and was nominated for the main competition at the 51st Berlin International Film Festival for MALÈNA.

“Film festivals are not only a time to celebrate cinema -more importantly,  it's one of those moment when filmakers from various countries meet, exchange ideas, and above all watch brilliant films together,” said Giuseppe Tornatore after accepting the invitation from the SIFF organizing committee. He extended his greetings and invitations to filmmakers worldwide, particularly emphasizing the festival’s vital role for young filmmakers. “For new directors, this is an exceptional opportunity to launch their careers and potentially achieve success through the festival,” he added.

Giuseppe Tornatore also conveyed his heartfelt wishes for the 27th SIFF: “May this edition be a resounding success, and may such festivals continue for many more editions!”

Born in 1956 in Sicily, Italy, Tornatore first encountered cinema at the age of four and formally entered the film industry at sixteen. His early experience as a photographer is believed to have significantly influenced the formation of his distinctive cinematic style.

As one of the most recognizable Italian directors following the neorealist wave, Tornatore is celebrated for his magical touch in deconstructing real-world dilemmas, earning him the title of “magician of filming”. Over his four-decade-long career, his “Trilogy between Time and Space” (NUOVO CINEMA PARADISO, THE LEGEND OF 1900, and MALÈNA) stands as a prismatic reflection of his philosophical musings on time, memory, and existence, solidifying his place as a luminous landmark in world cinema.

Poster of NUOVO CINEMA PARADISO

If Tornatore’s debut feature film, THE PROFESSOR (1985), announced his arrival as a formidable talent, it was NUOVO CINEMA PARADISO (1988), his second directorial effort, that cemented his reputation. The film’s warmth and emotional depth not only captivated audiences but also showcased the magic of cinema itself.

Poster of THE LEGEND OF 1900

In 1998, Tornatore wrote and directed THE LEGEND OF 1900, another timeless classic. Through the character of 1900, the film delves into profound reflections on life and human destiny, offering audiences a unique perspective on living and thinking while inspiring their introspection. Beyond its philosophical depth, the film also achieves a pinnacle of cinematic aesthetics. 

Poster of MALÈNA

Similarly, MALÈNA (2000), another film written and directed by Tornatore, is a cinematic gem that invites reflection and admiration. It not only mirrors the selfishness and cruelty of reality but also brims with Italian romance and charm, making it a radiant treasure in film history.

The year 2025 marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema, the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy.

Bridging cultures through the art of film, from Rome to Shanghai, we eagerly anticipate how Giuseppe Tornatore’s “rich romanticism” will transcend geographical boundaries to resonate with each viewer. We also look forward to his “professional yet almost detached” approach inspiring every film enthusiast. Moreover, we hope that led by him, the new Golden Goblet Awards Jury will foster cultural exchange and mutual learning of film cultures, contributing to the diversified development of world cinema.

Welcome, Giuseppe Tornatore, to the 2025 SIFF!