BEIJING — The 2025 Beijing International Film Festival became a vibrant stage for global cinematic unity as filmmakers, jurors, and stars from over 50 countries and regions gathered to celebrate 130 years of world cinema. The event, held in the Chinese mainland's capital, showcased heartfelt tributes to the art form’s enduring power to transcend borders.
Renowned directors from France, India, and the Chinese mainland emphasized cinema’s role as a "universal language" during panel discussions. A montage of interviews highlighted emotional reflections on iconic films, with Taiwan region-based cinematographer Chen Li stating, "Lighting a scene is like writing history—each frame connects generations."
The festival also unveiled archival footage from early Asian cinema pioneers, drawing attention from academics studying regional cultural evolution. Business professionals noted increased cross-border production deals, particularly between streaming platforms in Southeast Asia and European studios.
For the Asian diaspora, screenings of restored classics like 1950s Malay dramas and Korean postwar epics sparked nostalgia. "These stories remind us how film mirrors societal transformation," said Dr. Anika Rao, a Singaporean film historian.
Organizers emphasized that 40% of this year’s submissions came from emerging economies, signaling shifting creative hubs. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s first-ever competition entry—a family drama about rural life—received special recognition for its "humanistic storytelling."
