Overview of the Opening of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival

Raise the Golden Goblet, and let this season shine. Once again, the feast of light and shadow unveils a new chapter in Shanghai, the city that lives and breathes cinema. On June 12, under the guidance of the China Film Administration and jointly hosted by China Media Group and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) raises its grand curtain. Shanghai, with the Golden Goblet as its ambassador, invites cinephiles across the globe to step aboard this grand vessel of light and shadow. Over the next ten days, this festival will be more than a hub where the global film industry connects and pushes forward the frontiers—it will be, above all, a people’s celebration, where the city, filmmakers and audiences share, create, and revel together.

The “A-list” Status Renewed—

The Golden Goblet Shines Brighter Than Ever

A century has passed since the very first beam of Chinese cinema flickered to life in this city. Today, the Golden Goblet still gleams with that legacy, and Shanghai and the art of film have grown together, inseparable, for over a hundred years. This year’s festival marks a significant moment: it is the first premier cultural event at the national level to be held in Shanghai since the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan. As such, it carries real weight—boosting confidence in the industry, reigniting audiences’ appetite for film and television, and fueling high-quality development across China’s screen sectors. Looking beyond China’s borders: this March, the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) released its latest list of accredited “A-list” festivals. And once again, SIFF stood out as China’s sole representative—a distinction earned through its professionalism, global reach, forward-looking vision, and deep commitment to public engagement. This recognition speaks to Shanghai's capacity to host a world-class festival, its curatorial expertise, and its international outlook; it also underscores the growing strength of Chinese film and television culture as it sets sail for the world stage, joins the global conversation of civilizations and tells China’s stories in the language of light and shadow.

As more and more directors and producers choose Shanghai as the first port of call for their films, the weight of the Golden Goblet speaks for itself. This year, SIFF received approximately 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and regions—a new record. For the very first time, submissions were received from Ghana, Mozambique, and other, alongside a notable surge in entries from the Americas and Africa.

Among the competition titles across the five categories of the Golden Goblet Awards, 41 are world premieres, accounting for 83.67%, a 6.12% increase from 2025. For the first time in the festival’s history, all films in the Main Competition and Documentary units are world premieres. Meanwhile, the reach of the selection has expanded from 28 to 34 countries and regions. Jordan and Saudi Arabia, both from the Middle East, through co-productions, mark their debut in the Asian New Talent section, while Morocco from Africa—after 27 years—returns to the Main Competition.

On the global map of film festivals, Shanghai has become an irreplaceable landmark. Each of the 12 films in this year’s Main Competition brings its own artistic voice and a sense of where it comes from. A sampling of the lineup speaks to the festival’s eclectic reach: Louis Godbout’s The Parking Spot, made by a former philosophy teacher who turned to filmmaking mid-career; Josef Brandl—set designer for The Grand Budapest Hotel—stepping behind the lens for his feature debut SUPERBUHEI; and Night of Blindness, the second chapter of Crystal Bear-winning director Res Selik’s “Night Trilogy.” Here, cinema speaks a common language, and the conversation runs wide and deep. The Chinese-language lineup is no less luminous. Yin Fang, Wang Yitong, Li Xueqin, Huang Miyi, and Zhang Benyu share the screen in the daring new film Atlantic Rhapsody. Wen Qi and Ni Hongjie bring warmth to the family story The Great Skull. Zhang Songwen leads a Hong Kong crime thriller Secret in the Box. Together, they show us how far Chinese cinema is reaching, and how boldly it is breaking new ground.

SIFF is more than a celebration of film screenings. It is an ecosystem—one that truly nurtures films and grows alongside filmmakers. This year’s Asian New Talent section welcomes several veteran industry figures making their directorial debuts: Sompot, assistant director to Thai master Apichatpong Weerasethakul; Tin Shu Mak, a renowned screenwriter from Hong Kong, China; and Luo Pan, winner of the Best Cinematographer at the Main Competition of the 17th Golden Goblet Awards, who now steps forward as both writer and lead actor in his own work. Moreover, four films that once received support at SIFF PROJECT have now made their way back into the festival’s spotlight, ready to meet their audience.

Among them, Her First Taste (SIFF PROJECT 2023) and Strangrs in the Mountain (SIFF PROJECT 2024/2025 WIP) have made it into the Asian New Talent section, while Desert Beneath the Ocean (SIFF PROJECT 2020) and Linka Linka (SIFF PROJECT 2024) will premiere in Refreshing Chinese Cinema. Here at SIFF, these works have embarked on a new journey, blossoming from early projects into completed productions.

Passing the Torch—

Bringing New Voices to Center Stage

There is a moment when a filmmaker from cinema’s golden age hands the torch to a young director just finding his way. This moment, alone, is true cinema. The opening film of the 28th SIFF is Afterpiece, directed by Keane T.K. Wong and produced by Derek Yee. This debut feature, set against the world of theater, emerged from the “Passing on the Torch” initiative launched by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. “Wong has been my assistant director since he was 19,” Derek Yee recalls. “He spent three years refining the script. I am very satisfied with his first film.” On June 13, Afterpiece will have its world premiere at the festival’s opening ceremony. That same day, the Grand Theatre—first opened in 1928—will serve as a secondary venue, offering a live broadcast of the red carpet and the screening of the opening film. Derek Yee, Keane T.K. Wong, and other key members of the cast and crew will walk the red carpet together, then sit down with the audience to talk about the making of the film.

The Gala Night and Red Carpet will take place on the evening of June 13 at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. The cast and crew of the opening film Afterpiece alongside the teams behind the new Chinese features Crossing, Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, This Is My Time, and Make Zhonghe Great Again, as well as filmmakers from entries in the Main Competition and the Asian New Talent section of the Golden Goblet Awards, together with the international jury members—over 200 Chinese and international luminaries—will grace the “top red carpet in Asia” in the global spotlight to share the gala night’s most glorious moments. Gathered along the Huangpu River, a constellation of luminaries, from big names to emerging talents, will light up the world of cinema.

This year’s festival has scaled up its efforts to nurture the next generation. With industry events, dedicated awards, and overseas tours as its three pillars, SIFF is building a film talent ecosystem that is more sustainable, healthier, and more resilient. Several “firsts” mark its steadfast commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers. SIFF ING launches its first-ever Mobile Filmmaking Camp, scouting young talents with a professional command of mobile filmmaking. SIFF NEXT, for the first time, balances industry cultivation with public outreach—incubating promising newcomers and their projects while opening its workshops to film enthusiasts. SIFF PROJECT has upgraded its selection process and recommendation system to help more projects reach the screen. As it enters its fifth edition, SIFF YOUNG sharpens its focus on commercial filmmaking talent, assuming an ever more vital role as the premier incubator for new voices in Chinese-language cinema.

SIFFORUM and SIFF MASTERCLASS are where ideas meet. Here, young creators find their place in conversation with those who have walked the path before them. This year’s festival will stage 14 sessions of SIFFORUM and SIFF in Conversation, ranging across technology and cinema, content creation, youth development, and international collaboration—each one tuned to the industry’s leading edge. The SIFFORUM Main Forum: “Converge, Discover, Lead: Fostering the New Power of Cinema” brings together the world’s top festival programmers, industry veterans, and rising talents. They will share how to nurture young filmmakers, take stock of what Chinese cinema has achieved, and explore how industry-wide collaboration can sustain young filmmakers over the long haul. Veteran Hong Kong filmmakers Derek Yee and Stephen Fung will join emerging directors and actors from Hong Kong for an in-depth conversation about passing the torch of Hong Kong’s cinema legacy. Lan Hongchun, director of this year’s breakout hit Dear You, will take the stage with his core creative team for a forum titled “Weaving Cultural Narratives: Local Practices and Emotional Appeal of Lightweight Cinema”. There, alongside industry pathfinders and observers, they will reflect together on how lightweight films can hold onto their artistic texture while building commercial staying power. And finally, some of the festival’s most distinguished guests—Tony Leung Chiu-wai, President of the Jury for the Main Competition; Anthony Chen, President of the Jury for the Asian New Talent section; and Liu Qing, jury member of the Documentary section—will each lead a SIFF in Conversation session, offering audiences a rare and intimate glimpse into their cinematic worlds.

Honoring the Classics 

Charting the Future of Cinematic Technology

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). From the Shikumen to Tiananmen, from a tiny boat to a towering vessel, the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve great victories in revolution, construction and reform, and ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. From the Nanhu Red Boat in The Creation of a World to the coconut grove bugle in The Red Detachment of Women, from the vast Helan Mountain in One and Eight to the snow-covered forests in The Taking of Tiger Mountain, generations of filmmakers have, with unwavering resolve and vision, etched the same spiritual epic of “awakening” into the cinematic history. The 28th SIFF proudly presents its curated section – “Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China.” Divided into three chapters — Aspirations, Sentiments, and Splendors — the section gathers 15 classic and emerging Chinese-language films. It revisits profound narratives of country and community, captures the warmth of everyday life, and chronicles the Party’s remarkable 105-year journey.

Across 47 cinemas in Shanghai and 5 venues in five Yangtze River Delta cities, the festival will screen over 420 films from 77 countries and regions, totaling more than 1,600 sessions. The “Tribute to Masters” section features retrospective showcases dedicated to Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe, alongside a special film series celebrating British director Ken Loach on his 90th birthday. The “In Memory of” section presents masterpieces by veteran artists including Sang Hu, Huang Zuolin and Shen Yaoting. Fan-favorite sections such as “New from Auteur”, “Viva La Festival” and “Cannes Express” also bring wonderful cinematic offerings. Ticket sales kicked off at noon on June 5 via Damai APP, the official ticketing platform, which operated seamlessly throughout the process. A total of 250,000 tickets were sold within just 15 minutes. Popular screenings sold out almost instantly, with “Full” signs posted next to listings at venues like Shanghai Film Art Center SHO—a vivid testament to film lovers’ enthusiasm.

Longtime fans who have attended every edition turn up with handwritten film lists. Assisted by young staff as they book and collect tickets, they form a heartwarming sight across cinemas. 91-year-old Li Changnian returns once again to enjoy his beloved classic foreign films. Mei Haixing, aged 74, secured tickets for 23 titles in one go, among which are five entries competing for the Golden Goblet Awards. The first ticket sold this year was for Rose (4K), a much-loved hit from the Berlin International Film Festival. It also became the fastest-selling title. The three most popular sections are “4K Restoration”, “Viva La Festival” and “Asia Now”. Whether you prefer premieres or timeless classics, you will find films to your taste here. From June 19 to 28, five cinemas in Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Hefei will screen selected festival films simultaneously.

This year’s festival pays homage to the past, looks back on classics, and more importantly, explores and leads the way for the future. The collision of cinema and technology will make its presence felt from the very start of this year's festival. The opening ceremony of the “Tech-powered Creation” section, alongside the Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City press conference, will be held in Songjiang. A full lineup of activities will follow, including immersive production experiences, industry exhibitions and innovation competitions. The first SIFFORUM session will also be held in Songjiang, with a focus on tech-driven filmmaking. It will bring together industry decision-makers, creative trailblazers and tech pioneers to discuss how to leverage AI and immersive technologies to drive film industrialization, safeguard cultural security and boost global cultural influence. 

Driven by the rapid development of AI technology today, the vision of “anyone can make a film” is becoming reality. This year’s festival takes an active role in exploring the AI-driven innovation at the intersection of cinema and technology, striving to build Shanghai into a benchmark for the digital and intelligent transformation of the film industry. A brand-new section titled “AI Backlot,” adopting a collaborative creation model pairing human filmmakers with AI creative engines, places AI visual creation within real production workflows for full-scale observation, documenting hands-on production experience in full and advancing AI’s evolution from a mere auxiliary tool to a true creative partner. The “AI Backlot” project kicked off one month ahead of the festival. On June 14 and 15, four collaborative teams will showcase AI-produced short films completed over the past month at venues on the fourth floor of Shanghai Film Art Center and adjacent spaces, presented in a format that blends exhibition and on-site studio displays. The teams will bring along their finished works, raw materials, production workflows, practical insights and challenges. Through premieres, workshops, podcast interviews and industry dialogues, they will engage in face-to-face exchanges with audiences. Visitors may also experience the entire process of AI visual creation at interactive zones, learning how to leverage AI for personal expression and exploring new boundaries for popular artistic creation. During the festival, the Industry Report on AI-driven Visual Creation will be released, offering valuable practical references for advancing AI-enabled transformation across the film sector.

As cinematic technology continuously pushes its boundaries, it transforms not only visual storytelling itself, but also how audiences perceive and connect with the world. Last year, the festival launched the “SIFF Immersice” section, presenting VR films in commercial cinemas for the first time to boost the development of virtual reality cinema. This year, the festival joins hands with Jing’an Culture and Tourism to further build on this section. Six quality XR works will make their world premieres here, showcasing cutting-edge explorations of VR technology in narrative expression, audiovisual language and technical application.

Connecting the World

Fostering Exchanges and Mutual Learning Between Civilizations

“I still have a few tickets left. Will you come with me?” This poetic invitation comes from Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Jury President of the Main Competition for this year’s Golden Goblet Awards and a celebrated actor from Hong Kong, China. It is a heartfelt call from one filmmaker to peers across the industry, and also an open invitation extended by Shanghai to filmmakers worldwide. The Jury of the Golden Goblet Awards comprises 21 professionals from 16 countries and regions, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and Tunisia. Their backgrounds span directing, producing, scholarship, and acting. Among them, for the first time, a Tunisian film producer has been invited to serve as a jury member—a quiet but significant step toward cultural diversity and global vision.

As filmmakers of diverse origins, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds gather here, Shanghai embraces the world with openness, enabling people to connect and communicate. The festival this year will further deepen international ties and promote mutual understanding and collaboration across cultures.

The International Film & TV Market is expanding its global footprint. This year, it has drawn 75 international exhibitors from 15 countries—a 50% increase from the previous edition. Notably, delegations from Brazil, Russia, South Korea, Spain and other nations flocked to the event, a clear testament to the strong appeal of China’s market. Meanwhile, buyer invitations have reached major global film distributors, TV networks and streaming platforms worldwide. The newly launched negotiation booking system received nearly 300 meeting requests on its launch day.

Since its inception in 2018, the Belt and Road Film Week has attracted over 200 film, television, and cultural creative enterprises to settle here, forming a complete industrial chain. The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance now boasts 57 members from 50 countries, up from 31 members across 29 countries in the early days. Through this platform, 67 Chinese films have traveled abroad for screenings, while over 1,000 films from Belt and Road partner countries have been screened in China. At the previous edition alone, the Belt and Road Film Week presented 64 screenings, drew over 10,000 viewers, and saw 40 sessions sell out within moments.

This year’s Belt and Road Film Week unveils a full slate of upgraded events under the theme “Shared Screens, Shared Worlds.” It presents 16 exceptional productions from Belt and Road partner nations, with cast and crew of the selected titles joining audiences for post-screening dialogues at cinemas across Pudong New Area. The Belt and Road Lifestyle Market: Arabian Souk & Culture Market draws inspiration from the China-Arab States Summit and the Dragon Boat Festival. Merging cultural experiences, live performances and festive activities, it builds an immersive venue where Chinese and Arab cultures interact and resonate with one another. The Charm Pudong Tour reimagines the traditional sightseeing experience. Incorporating community visits, market interactions and Dragon Boat Festival customs, the program invites international filmmakers to immerse themselves in local life. They are no longer mere visitors, but those who live the moment and share the stories.

This year, the Belt and Road Film Week launches innovatively the Whole Industry Chain Day. Featuring strategic announcements, project roadshows, investment matchmaking and summit dialogues, it builds a complete value cycle of “Launch from Pudong, Link with the World, and Co-build a Shared Ecosystem.” Meanwhile, the Festivals Bridge Global Outreach Initiative is officially unveiled. Leading local film enterprises from Pudong form a joint overseas delegation to join the festival’s targeted visits to film events in Belt and Road partner countries. They host exclusive promotion sessions abroad to showcase outstanding productions from Pudong to the world, achieving dual progress: overseas expansion for enterprises and targeted distribution of film content.

Aligned with key diplomatic milestones, the festival also hosts a series of distinctive international exchange activities. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations, the organizing committee partners with China Media Group to stage a special Egyptian Film Week. As this year also coincides with the China-Brazil Cultural Year, the festival presents the “Focus Brazil” section featuring a rich and diverse selection of Brazilian films. The International Film & TV Market starts with an Opening Ceremony of International Film & TV Market: Brazil Night, which furthers film industry cooperation between China and Brazil.

The City as a Canvas of Light and Shadow

Collect Your Ticket Stubs for Exclusive Experiences

June in Shanghai is steeped in the magic of film. At the iconic Light Stairway outside Shanghai Film Art Center, a laid-back mascot nicknamed Golden Goblet Potato has become a smash hit for photos and check-ins. Film fans have even created memes of it, joking that it perfectly captures how they feel while watching movies. Sudden rain may interrupt their rush between screenings, yet great films always lift their spirits. 

This lovable figure is Juejue, one of the official mascots of this year’s festival. Following the great popularity of last year’s sprite version, three new Juejue mascots, inspired by playful homophones, are unveiled this year. The yellow one stands for exquisite taste, the purple one embodies relaxed enjoyment of films, and the orange one symbolizes letting go of inner worries.

Guided by the three mascots, audiences will enjoy an extended screening season running from June 12 to 28. Festival events also span an extended period. A special dual exhibition Stellar Splendor & Urban Pulse opened at Shanghai Film Art Center on May 20 and will run through July 20. It invites visitors on a soulful journey through cinematic memories and the city’s stories.

The credits roll, yet the stories live on. For many film lovers, attending SIFF is about more than watching movies—it is also a precious chance to meet their favorite creators. This year, the festival revamps its interaction formats with over 100 cast-and-audience meetups and longer post-screening discussions. A brand-new SIFF Salon is also introduced. These events break the traditional stage-and-audience format for genuine face-to-face exchanges, moving interactions beyond cinema halls and into welcoming urban social spaces across the city.

This year’s official promo Step into the Story is directed by Wang Tong, winner of last year’s Golden Goblet Award, starring Huang Bo, Wan Qian, and young actress Feng Maya. Scenic spots in the film brim with striking visual appeal and rich narrative charm, offering audiences an immersive experience just like stepping onto a real film set.

The festival has also created an exclusive Cinematic Trail Map, linking five districts—Huangpu, Jing’an, Xuhui, Changning and Hongkou—into a scenic route ideal for strolling, sightseeing and reliving wonderful cinematic moments. From June 12 to 21, fans can follow in the footsteps of Huang Bo and Wan Qian. Wander from Wukang Building to Zhang’s Garden, and from the Waibaidu Bridge to lane-side delicacies. Along the way, you will fully embrace the unique charm where the whole city is a film set, and every view tells a story.

This edition of the festival has rolled out a host of connected initiatives centered around five core experiences: leisure city walk, ceremonial vibe, technological flair, cultural depth and local charm. It teams up with popular cultural blocks including Wukang Film Block, Xingfu Li on Xinhua Road and Greater Yu Garden Cultural Zone to launch themed City Walk routes. Partnering with Ctrip and Didi, it fully brings to life the joy of roaming across the city. The newly launched SIFF Passport turns movie-going, venue check-ins, stamp collecting and interactive activities into a delightful daily ritual, lending a distinct ceremonial touch to the festival. Collaborations with Songjiang District and Shanghai Film Group deliver immersive experiences within film production hubs, letting visitors discover the allure of the film industry and embrace its technological highlights. Joining hands with Meituan, the festival creates brand-new evening leisure experiences after screenings. Meanwhile, events such as the Belt and Road Lifestyle Market in Pudong New Area showcase the city’s unique local facets. In addition, the festival works with major content platforms including Red Note, Bilibili, Xiaoyuzhou and Douyin. Here, like-minded enthusiasts gather over their shared passion for cinema, enriching the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Last year, SIFF generated nearly 5 billion RMB in economic benefits for the city. Nearly three out of ten audiences—29.2% to be exact—traveled to Shanghai for the festival alone. This year, as a year to energize film-driven economic growth, the festival has upgraded its “Ticket Stub+” consumption model, linking over a thousand merchants across all 16 districts of Shanghai—covering dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Whether taking a taxi to the cinema, booking a hotel, or savoring a meal, cinephiles can enjoy exclusive perks along the way.

The curtain has risen. The silver screen is about to glow. Shanghai—the City of Film, where every frame tells a story—has prepared its finest films, its genuine invitation, and its most vibrant imagination, waiting for you to step into the story.