The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) made a grand return to Berlin on Monday, hosting an overseas promotional event after a nine-year hiatus. The event drew celebrated figures from the global film industry, highlighting the growth and influence of Chinese cinema on the world stage.
Among the notable attendees were Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski, who served as jury president for the 25th SIFF Golden Goblet Awards in 2023; Ichiyama Shozo, programming director of the Tokyo International Film Festival and a jury member for SIFF’s Asian New Talent section in 2010; and Marco Müller, a producer and scholar who was a jury member for the main competition of the Golden Goblet Awards in 2021.
As the birthplace of Chinese cinema, Shanghai holds a special place in film history. With over a century of cinematic heritage, the city continues to be a vibrant hub for filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. Last year, SIFF received submissions from 105 countries and regions, with over 3,700 films entering the festival. Impressively, 76% of the Golden Goblet Award nominees were world premieres.
The SIFF committee announced that the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from June 13 to 22, 2025. This edition will be particularly significant as it coincides with the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. To celebrate these milestones, SIFF plans to host special film screenings and thematic exhibitions that blend artistic excellence with popular appeal.
The return of SIFF to Berlin underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and showcasing the dynamism of Chinese cinema to global audiences.
