The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) opened in grand style on June 14 with its Golden Goblet Gala, blending cinematic history with contemporary glamour at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. The event commemorated two landmark anniversaries: 130 years of global cinema and 120 years of Chinese film, underscoring Shanghai’s pivotal role as the birthplace of China’s movie industry.
Over 200 international and Chinese film luminaries attended, including Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore, who leads this year’s Golden Goblet Awards jury. The gala also introduced jurors for Asian New Talent, Documentary, Animation, and Short Film categories, creating anticipation for their upcoming selections.
The evening concluded with the world premiere of opening film She’s Got No Name, while over 150 Shanghai cinemas hosted simultaneous screenings—a strategic move to democratize access to festival programming. Industry watchers note the event’s dual focus on honoring cinematic heritage while fostering new talent aligns with China’s growing influence in global entertainment markets.
Jury deliberations will continue through June 21, when winners across 14 categories will be announced. The festival’s blend of cultural celebration and industry networking offers insights into Asia’s evolving creative economy, particularly as international collaborations rebound post-pandemic.
