The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival: A Celebration of Cinema and Global Unity
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival has officially begun, bringing together a dazzling array of Chinese stars and a powerful message of peace from renowned jury president Giuseppe Tornatore. Held at the magnificent Grand Theatre in Shanghai, the gala opened with a captivating orchestral performance, beautifully complemented by a children’s choir.
Among the distinguished attendees were the stars of the festival’s opening film, Peter Chan Ho-sun’s “She’s Got No Name,” featuring acclaimed actors like Zhang Ziyi, Mei Ting, Lei Jiayin, Li Xian, and Yang Mi. Other notable figures included Ni Ni, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Kara Wai Ying-hung, Zhu Yilong, and Wu Lei, making for a star-studded evening. The festival was officially launched by Shanghai’s Mayor, Gong Zheng.
In light of ongoing global conflicts, the jury members emphasized the unifying power of cinema. Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao beautifully articulated this sentiment, stating, “Cinema is like the Tree of Life, eternally nurturing stories and sparking conversations. Its branches stretch across generations, connecting us through images and shared memories.” Tornatore echoed this sentiment, expressing, “As a filmmaker, it is a privilege to enjoy films and learn from them in such a magnificent atmosphere. Exchanging ideas with colleagues from around the world sends a message of peace and coexistence. Viva Shanghai, viva peace, viva cinema.”
Zhao Jiaming, a member of the Standing Committee and Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, outlined the festival’s mission to rejuvenate the film industry through a blend of historical reflection and innovative thinking. “By allowing cinema to shine anew through the interplay of history and reality, along with the integration of art and technology, the festival aims to revitalize the film industry,” Zhao stated, highlighting the festival as a crucial platform for Shanghai’s cinematic landscape with the theme “Innovation through History.”
This year’s programming will celebrate the origins of cinema while honoring classic films from both Chinese and international markets. The festival will also spotlight cutting-edge industry developments, bridging the gap between cinema’s rich history and its promising future. A central theme of this year’s festival is “Cinema as a Medium,” which showcases a diverse selection of films from around the globe and fosters industry dialogue.
The initiative aims to “tell compelling Chinese stories and present a variety of cultural civilizations,” creating what Zhao described as a “global garden of cinema through exchange and mutual learning.” Additionally, the festival is committed to enhancing audience engagement through “people-oriented” initiatives designed to increase access to quality film programming. Plans include strengthening collaboration across various sectors—culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions—to create comprehensive “film+” experiences for enthusiasts.
Wang Xiaozhen, Vice President of China Media Group, placed this year’s festival within a broader historical context, highlighting significant milestones in cinema. With 2025 marking the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, a montage celebrating this rich history was presented, accompanied by performances from Jane Zhang. Another montage showcased Shanghai’s cinematic legacy, featuring films like “Mission: Impossible III,” “Empire of the Sun,” and many Chinese classics such as “Perhaps Love.”
Wang emphasized film’s unique role as an art form that “maintains original aspirations while embracing innovation, facilitating dialogues between civilizations, and resonating emotionally.” The festival’s programming will explore the evolution of cinema, embodying what Wang described as “the spirit of integrity and innovation, courage, and perseverance in the film industry.” The ultimate aim, according to Wang, is to “infuse new vitality into the ongoing prosperity and development of Chinese cinema.”
The festival also highlighted Shanghai’s role as a global film hub, with Zhao extending a warm invitation to industry professionals from around the world. “We sincerely invite friends from the domestic and international film and television industries to come to Shanghai, stay in Shanghai, and realize your dreams in Shanghai,” he concluded, emphasizing, “This is Shanghai, where anything is possible.”
As the festival unfolds, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange, inviting audiences to connect through the universal language of film.
