Swiss actor-director Vincent Perez captivated audiences at the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum in Chengdu with a passionate defense of cinema's timeless role in bridging cultures. "From film stock to VR and AI, our tools evolve, but the heart of art never changes: emotion and communication," Perez declared during his keynote address.
The multilingual artist, known for his work in European and Asian cinema, revealed his long-held desire to return to China, calling Chengdu "a city where ancient wisdom meets modern creativity." He emphasized the potential for Chinese filmmakers to create stories that "speak local dialects but carry universal truths," urging audiences to actively shape narratives rather than remain passive consumers.
Perez's address highlighted technological advancements in filmmaking while maintaining that human connection remains central to artistic expression. His remarks come as China's cultural sector shows growing international collaboration, with co-productions increasing by 18% year-on-year according to recent industry reports.
