Cinema took center stage at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) as nearly 400 diplomats, filmmakers, and officials gathered Friday for the debut of its Diplomat Filmfest. The initiative aims to harness storytelling as a tool for international dialogue, highlighting China's commitment to cultural diplomacy amid evolving global dynamics.
Chen Li, Deputy Director General of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, set the tone by declaring films "a universal language for mutual understanding" during his opening address. His remarks aligned with Montenegro's Ambassador to China Branko Bulatović's observation that cinema serves as "a bridge connecting cultures and eras."
The festival introduced two major platforms: an International Film Critics Committee to amplify Chinese cinema's global voice and a Diplomat Filmfest Support System granting access to over 1,000 films for diplomatic missions. A screening of the family-friendly documentary Panda Adventure, tracing six pandas' life journeys, drew particular enthusiasm from attendees.
Cultural showcases complemented cinematic offerings, including Modern Chengdu Through the Lens—an exhibition blending the 4,500-year-old city's heritage with its modern identity. Organizers confirm plans to expand the program, emphasizing cinema's role in fostering cross-border appreciation among global diplomatic communities.
