The Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) made a significant impact at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with a special promotional event on May 15, 2025. This strategic move aimed to strengthen the global presence of Chinese cinema and foster international collaborations in the film industry.
The event attracted prominent figures including director Long Fei and actress Yue Hong, whose critically acclaimed film Gold or Shit triumphed at the 14th BJIFF, securing three prestigious Tiantan Awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress.
Yu Junsheng, Vice-Chairman of BJIFF’s organizing committee, revealed impressive statistics about the festival’s 15th edition: “We received 1,794 submissions from 103 countries, with international entries constituting nearly 90% of our Tiantan Award competitors. This demonstrates our growing global appeal.”
The festival’s International Lounge became a bustling marketplace, hosting over 300 companies from France, Singapore, the UK, and other nations. More than 250 business meetings facilitated potential co-productions and distribution deals. The economic impact was substantial, with Beijing welcoming over 65.31 million visitors and generating comprehensive consumption exceeding 24 billion yuan ($3.32 billion).
Director Long Fei emphasized cinema’s unifying power: “Film is a universal language that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Events like this help create meaningful artistic dialogues.”
Actress Yue Hong shared her vision: “Chinese films can serve as cultural ambassadors. Through authentic storytelling, we hope to connect with diverse audiences worldwide while promoting mutual understanding.”
This Cannes showcase marks a significant step in BJIFF’s internationalization strategy, positioning Chinese cinema as both a creative force and a bridge for global cultural exchange in the film industry.
