The 12th Silk Road International Film Festival concluded in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, after five days of celebrating cross-cultural storytelling through cinema. With 2,856 submissions from 125 countries and regions, the event highlighted the growing influence of Asia’s creative industries while fostering international artistic collaboration.
Ten films received Golden Silk Road Awards, including China’s As the Water Flows for Best Film and India’s Bird of a Different Feather for Best Director. Brazilian actress Jamilli Correa and Chinese actor Li Zhenping claimed top acting honors, reflecting the festival’s global reach.
The closing ceremony blended Fuzhou’s cultural heritage with Belt and Road themes through multimedia performances. A special preview of upcoming Chinese films also demonstrated the industry’s growing diversity ahead of the National Day holiday releases.
Industry analysts note the festival’s role in strengthening cultural diplomacy. "When filmmakers from Uzbekistan to Portugal share screens, it creates new opportunities for co-productions and market expansion," said festival programmer Zhang Wei during a panel discussion.
With attendance from 48 Belt and Road partner countries, the event underscored cinema’s power to bridge geographical and political divides while showcasing Asia’s rising prominence in global cultural exchanges.
