WORLD
23rd Shanghai International Film Festival kicks off in-person
Baku, July 25, AZERTAC
The 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), the first large-scale cinematic event held in-person in China since the coronavirus outbreak, kicked off on Saturday, according to CGTN.
The delayed event opened with the China Film Industry Summit Forum instead of the starry opening ceremony and red carpet, which had been cancelled for safety reasons as the pandemic is still rampaging in some parts of the world.
Yan Xiaoming, vice president of China Media Group (CMG), announced the opening, and said at the forum that he hoped the influential festival could encourage Chinese filmmakers to tell Chinese stories well and promote the mutual learning of different cultures, especially the mutual learning of cinematic arts between different countries in the internet era.
This year's SIFF showcases a roster of noteworthy films from around the world and a series of cultural programs using a mixed format of in-person and virtual events.
More than 320 films will be screened at 29 designated cinemas in Shanghai, among which 232 are world, international, Asian or Chinese premieres. The number of moviegoers allowed in each theater hall will be capped at 30 percent of maximum capacity as a preventive measure against coronavirus.
The city's seven business circles and over 30 communities will hold outdoor screenings, while online screenings will be presented on platforms including Miguvideo.
SIFF MasterClass has invited a lineup of well-known film creators from home and abroad, including Jia Zhangke, Hirokazu Koreeda and Denis Villeneuve to share their experiences in making film.
Because of the coronavirus, the Golden Goblet Award ceremony and Asian New Talent Award ceremony have also been cancelled, with only nominees announced.
The SIFF will be held from July 25 to August 2, and the Shanghai International TV Festival, traditionally held earlier than the film event, will take place from August 3 to 7.