International film professionals say China's cinema entering golden age

International jurors of the Tiantan Awards, the prestigious awards presented at the Beijing International Film Festival, noted that the Chinese film industry has entered its golden age while sharing their views on this year's film submissions, during a press briefing on Saturday in Beijing. The 14th Beijing International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from April 18 to 26, is currently underway in China's capital city. The festival offers nearly 100 events for film enthusiasts, including forums, roadshows, and master classes, attracting over 350 film insiders from both home and overseas.

A seven-member jury, comprising Chinese and international film professionals, will determine the winners of the Tiantan Awards among the 15 shortlisted films, with 12 of them being international films and three Chinese films.

Serbian director Emir Kusturica is leading the jury this year. The other six members are Australian sound editor David White, Chinese-American actor Kris Phillips, Austrian director Jessica Hausner, Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha, Chinese actress Ma Li and Chinese actor Zhu Yilong.

Emir Kusturica, president of the jury for the awards, shared his criteria for evaluating films at the press briefing.

"For me, the major point is not to make mistake, lose the emotion or the primary feelings that come from the screen. To us, aesthetic and moral values are always in the center of attention of anybody who is somehow connected to the art. And I believe that film is still art and we have to go this way," said Emir Kusturica.

Other jury members highlighted the promising prospects of the Chinese film industry, saying that Chinese cinema has stepped into its golden age.

"I truly believe that Chinese cinema is now entering a golden era. There is an abundance of talent, including exceptional directors, screenwriters, and actors. Most importantly, China has a wealth of captivating stories. These stories, like “Creation of the Gods”, are fresh and unique for the global audience. I hope that the Chinese film industry becomes more proactive in transforming these stories into movies and promoting them worldwide. This way, audiences from around the globe can better understand and appreciate China," said the actor Kris Phillips.

"You watch the movie, even not being Chinese, you watch the movie and you are proud, (and) you are excited. And I think that's the beauty of the Chinese animated movies that I've seen. And I totally agree with Kris. I think that China might be going through, again, like a golden age, not only on films but also animated films. China has all the technology and the talent to make that happen," added the Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha.

International film professionals say China's cinema entering golden age

A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.

After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.

"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.

Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.

France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.

Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.

"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.

French student calls for more educational exchanges with China