The 75th Berlin International Film Festival hosted a special evening dedicated to Chinese cinema on Monday, drawing over 150 international filmmakers, industry leaders, and cultural representatives for a dynamic exchange of ideas and creativity.
At the "China Film Night -- 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) Reception," Cao Yin, deputy managing director and deputy general manager of Shanghai International Film and TV Festivals discussed the robust growth of the Chinese film market.
Cao noted that the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences for high-quality films is not only fueling the industry's expansion in the country, but also creating fresh opportunities for outstanding international productions to enter China.
She encouraged global filmmakers to join SIFF, promising a unique opportunity to tap into the vibrant Chinese film market and connect with the country's dedicated cinema enthusiasts.
Jerzy Skolimowski, who was jury president for the 25th SIFF in 2023, described Shanghai as a city "brimming with magic." He praised SIFF's film selection and highlighted the enduring friendships he has developed in Shanghai.
"[I send] my personal best wishes for the Shanghai International Film Festival, because it is my favorite film event in the world. I had a fantastic time over there two years ago, because of the wonderful place, wonderful people, very good selection of the films. Altogether, it was so well organized by such nice people that I can honestly recommend Shanghai as the place to be," he said.
Marco Mueller, jury member for the main competition of the Golden Goblet Awards of SIFF in 2021, commended the event for being inclusive and serving as a platform for both Chinese and global international moviemakers to showcase their culture.
"The Shanghai International Film Festival is really fascinating to many people. It shows them rich Chinese culture and also a feel of foreign culture," said Marco Mueller, jury member for the main competition of the Golden Goblet Awards of SIFF in 2021.
Founded in 1993, SIFF has evolved into a prestigious international event, demonstrating Shanghai's growing role in global film and television collaboration thanks to China's booming film market. In 2024, the festival featured over 1,600 screenings of more than 460 films from 105 countries and regions.
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival will take place from June 13 to 22, 2025.
China Film night shines at Berlin Int'l Film Festival
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
