Officials and scholars gathered for sub-forums in south China's Shenzhen on Friday to discuss the initiative on "Building China's Cultural Strength 2024", which focuses on comprehensive cultural heritage preservation.
At the sub-forum dubbed "Holistic Protection of Cultural Heritage and Safeguarding Living Heritage", participants reiterated the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage within a broader societal framework. This was to highlight that people are central to cultural ecology's preservation and development, as well as how it enriches their spiritual lives.
"We must adhere to the people-centered nature of intangible cultural heritage and ensure the preservation of cultural ecology. Meanwhile, [we will] further promote the systematic preservation of intangible cultural heritage within a favorable environment of cultural ecology," said Wang Chenyang, Party chief of China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum.
Beyond intangible heritage, another sub-forum titled "Fostering Development of Art and Literature" explored the role of literature in preserving China's cultural identity.
"Today's literary and artistic creation should strive for innovation and creativity, aiming to achieve the creative transformation and innovative development of China's excellent traditional culture. It can be complemented by contemporary digital means to assist the development of Chinese stage arts. We also hope to showcase our performances internationally, making contributions to the influence and dissemination of Chinese culture on the global stage," said Tian Qinxin, president of the National Theater of China.
Shenzhen forums prioritize holistic cultural heritage preservation
China Movie and TV Night 2024, a special gala at the ongoing 26th Shanghai International Film Festival, was held on Sunday to share stories of China's film development.
Themed "Worlds of Film, Stories of China," the gala focuses on promoting original Chinese films and TV series and shares the stories of Chinese practitioners in the industry.
"I think the China Movie and TV Night lets people see the development of Chinese films from different dimensions and see a promising prospect of the film industry. It did a good job in creating a great platform for all of us to communicate and show," said director Li Shaohong.
The production teams of several upcoming TV series and the classic cartoon Happy Dad and Son 6 participated in the promotional activities at the gala and shared behind-the-scenes stories and their understanding of the characters.
The opening ceremony of the French Film Week was also held at the gala celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The event features outstanding recent works from major international film festivals, showcasing the diverse perspectives and societal aspects of contemporary French cinema.
"I think the French Film Week in Shanghai is a very good way to connect the two markets. Hopefully, some of these films can get a more broad distribution. But it's already great that they're showing in the festival, because French films usually don't have that much exposure in China. I think that's also thanks to the work the festival does, and it's a great opportunity to share very recent films and some older films," said French producer Natacha Devillers.
Shanghai International Film Festival special gala showcases stories of filmmaking
Shanghai International Film Festival special gala showcases stories of filmmaking
