The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival was a grand celebration of Asian and Chinese cinema, honoring both established and emerging stars in the industry. The event featured awards for countries like Japan, China, and Uzbekistan, showcasing the diversity and talent of these regions. One of the most memorable moments of the festival was when Chinese actors Hu Ge and Da Peng were jointly awarded the best actor prize, and they shared heartfelt memories of their long-lasting friendship.
Japanese director Kazuyoshi Kumakiri was overwhelmed by the occasion, as the festival marked a return to normalcy after the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Kumakiri’s film “Yoko” won multiple awards, including best feature film, best actress, and best screenplay. The film tells the story of a middle-aged woman who is forced to interact with people after years of isolation following her father’s death. Kumakiri expressed his joy at collaborating with actress Rinko Kikuchi, whom he had wanted to work with for 20 years.
The Shanghai International Film Festival showcased a total of 53 films from around the world in its five main Golden Goblet sections. Over the course of its 10-day run, more than 450 films were screened, attracting a large number of attendees. Fans eagerly awaited the presence of international A-listers such as Michelle Yeoh, Jason Statham, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi.
While the absence of the U.S. and South Korea was notable due to diplomatic tensions, organizers emphasized the festival’s success in fostering connections within the global film community. Smaller Asian markets like Laos and Uzbekistan were represented, allowing their films to gain recognition and exposure. Uzbekistan’s domestic drama “Sunday” surprised audiences and won the Asian New Talent section, leaving its director, Shokir Kholikov, speechless.
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Wenquan He, the general manager of the Shanghai International Film and TV Events Centre, praised the festival for providing a platform for the industry to showcase its development capacity and for filmmakers and institutions to share their latest achievements. He highlighted Shanghai’s role as a window for China to connect with the world, reflecting the city’s open, innovative, and inclusive character.
Liu Jiayin, a Chinese filmmaker, was named best director for her film “All Ears.” The film follows a eulogy writer whose work changes his perspective on life. Liu described the film as a deeply personal project that had a profound impact on her own life. The judges praised the film for its exploration of current issues and the exceptional performances of its cast.
Hu Ge, a popular Chinese actor with a massive social media following, received the best actor award for his role in “Dust to Dust.” However, the festival decided to share the award with Da Peng, who also delivered a remarkable performance in the thriller. The actors shared their memories of meeting each other in 2005 and the parallel journeys they have taken in their careers. Their friendship and collaboration resonated with audiences across China and sparked discussions on social media.
The festival also showcased the commercial success of Hong Kong filmmakers in mainland China. “Dust to Dust,” directed by Jonathan Li, tapped into a notorious 1995 heist for its story and featured renowned actors. Herman Yau, another veteran filmmaker, introduced his latest thriller “Moscow Mission,” featuring major box office draws Andy Lau and Zhang Hanyu, at a sidebar event. These films demonstrated the ongoing collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese filmmakers.
International filmmakers who attended the festival praised the enthusiasm of Chinese fans during the post-screening Q&A sessions. The festival included MasterClasses by renowned filmmakers Peter Chan, Ildikó Enyedi, Zhang Lu, and Sho Miyake, providing valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring filmmakers in China.
SIFF also dedicated a Sci-Fi Film Week to tap into the rising popularity of the genre in China. The success of films like “The Wandering Earth 2,” which grossed over $1.3 billion in ticket sales, demonstrated the potential of Chinese sci-fi films. Seminars explored the possibilities and challenges of creating sci-fi films with Chinese characteristics and predicted a bright future for the genre in Chinese cinema.
The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and diversity of Asian and Chinese cinema. It brought together established and emerging stars, connected filmmakers and institutions, and provided a platform for the industry to thrive. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it solidifies Shanghai’s position as a global hub for the film industry and a window for China to connect with the world.
