CGTN Unveils Top Picks at 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival
In the blazing heat of June, the Shanghai International Film Festival returned with cinematic splendor. Over 400 films are set to screen in this year’s edition, honoring legends while spotlighting emerging Asian auteurs, reviving classics in stunning 4K restorations, and showcasing the boundless imagination of new sci-fi films.
From this global tapestry, CGTN has selected a range of exceptional films that capture diverse cultures and cross-border collaborations. We invite you to explore our recommended list and witness the vibrant pulse of world cinema.
“The Guardian of Stories” from Laos is a documentary that delves into cultural heritage, preserving the rich traditions of its people.
“Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” from China weaves dual narratives—one unravels criminal clues, and the other explores family ethics, offering a gripping tale that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
“Black, Red, Yellow” from Kyrgyzstan centers around traditional carpet craftsmanship, weaving tales of heritage and identity.
“Vermiglio” from Italy, France, and Belgium is set against the majestic backdrop of the Alps. Each frame resembles a masterful painting, profoundly exploring the struggles of women.
“Lesson Learned” from Hungary, an official selection of the Belt and Road Film Week, confronts violence in education with unflinching realism, sparking important conversations.
“Son” from Russia and Kazakhstan is an animated short that beautifully explores family bonds and the complexities within.
“Nine Queens” from Argentina is a clever heist comedy that weaves a complex plot, keeping viewers guessing until the end.
“Edge of Time” from China is an animation filled with fantasy elements, taking audiences on a mesmerizing journey through imaginative worlds.
“Eraserhead” from the United States is the experimental and avant-garde debut feature by David Lynch, offering a unique cinematic experience.
At CGTN, we champion films that shatter conventions, capture life’s raw truths, confront the complexities of cultural heritage, and embrace technical innovation. Each work opens up a profound dialogue on cultural diversity while revealing the multifaceted beauty of our shared humanity.
Join us beyond mere viewing; embark on a journey through the living tapestry of global storytelling. Amidst the dance of light and shadow, feel cinema—the seventh art—ignite intellectual sparks and emotional resonance. Through its poetic language, we transcend borders to touch the universal chords that connect creators and audiences.
CGTN welcomes you to the theaters, to the world, and to the untold stories that lie beyond light and shadow. See the difference; experience the world.
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CGTN's film picks from the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival
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