The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival’s Belt and Road Film Week concluded with vibrant cultural tours and an awards ceremony that celebrated cinematic achievements from around the globe. Filmmakers from various countries immersed themselves in the rich traditions of Shanghai, visiting historical sites and experiencing firsthand the city’s cultural heritage.
One highlight was the visit to Xinchang Ancient Town, a picturesque location known as a filming site for director Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution.” The town offered a journey into traditional Chinese culture, where filmmakers enjoyed performances of Suzhou pingtan opera, savored authentic Chinese tea and pastries, and explored the world of traditional Chinese medicine by crafting herbal sachets. The scenic beauty of the ancient town prompted many to capture the moments with their cameras.
Filmmakers expressed their admiration for Chinese culture. Mexican director Urzula Barba Hopfner shared, “This is my first time in China. The country is stunning, and I feel the openness and inclusiveness of the people towards different cultures. I believe this is exactly what the current global environment needs—approaching all cultures with an open attitude.“
Hungarian director Balint Szimler remarked, “Everything feels fresh to me here in Shanghai. The music we just heard was utterly fascinating.” German director Julia Roesler added, “The old architecture and musical culture are both captivating. Making a Chinese sachet was a wonderful opportunity to understand the differences between Chinese and Western medical cultures.“
The week culminated with the Charm Pudong Gala Night at the Pudong Art Museum. This year’s Film Week showcased a diverse selection of 15 films from Belt and Road partner countries. Over 2,000 audience members voted for their favorites, and the gala announced the recipients of the Audience Commendation and Audience Choice awards.
“Traffic,” a collaboration from Romania, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and “The Shore of Life” from China jointly received the Audience Commendation honor. “Corina” from Mexico won the Audience Choice Award and was also selected as one of CGTN’s Picks films.
