Film carnival brings vibrant entertainment, rich cultural experiences to Beijing's suburb

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) kicked off its much-anticipated Film Carnival in Huairou District of Chinese capital city, drawing in film lovers and visitors to a vibrant celebration packed with exciting performances and cinematic marvels.

As one of the BJIFF's signature events, this year's Carnival has been unfolded across two iconic locations: the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center and the China (Huairou) Film and Television Base—also known as the China Movie Capital, a hub for film and television production and tourism.

Blending the magic of cinema with traditional arts, gourmet delights, and interactive exhibits, the Carnival is designed to offer a mesmerizing celebration for visitors.

At the China Movie Capital venue, visitors can enjoy classic film screenings, live performances, and exhibitions featuring intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The event also includes zones dedicated to cultural merchandise, local cuisine, and interactive experiences.

One of the biggest highlights is the "ICH in Film" experience zone, where visitors can marvel at traditional Chinese tie-dye art and hand-painted folding fans inspired by famous films and TV dramas.

"We crafted 48 folding fans for this event, all themed around films. For example, one fan features the classic poem Qinyuanchun-Changsha, which has been highlighted in the film '1921'. We've also recreated scenes from TV series 'Dream of the Red Chamber' on some fans," said Xiao Ying, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Fan Art Association.

Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops, such as traditional tie-dye sessions, for an up-close encounter with Chinese folk arts.

"It's such a rich experience to see these ICH products and tie-dying activities—and even getting to make something by hand. They perfectly blend traditional crafts with film culture. Such a unique and creative idea," said a visitor.

The Carnival also breathes new life into film history by recreating classic movie scenes, such as the opulent world featured in the 1987 epic film "The Last Emperor."

"There are many recreated sets, including immersive exhibition halls filled with original-style costumes," said another visitor.

In addition, six grand live performances including the Film Carnival Arts Gala are offering audiences a rich blend of light, sound, and storytelling.

The Carnival, which opened on Friday, will run through early May.

Running from April 18 to 26, the 15th BJIFF coincides with the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. At the heart of the festival is the Tiantan Award, which honors outstanding recent films and celebrates diversity in global filmmaking.

Film carnival brings vibrant entertainment, rich cultural experiences to Beijing's suburb

China and the European Union (EU) have agreed that it is necessary to provide general guidance on price undertakings for Chinese exporters of passenger battery electric vehicles to the EU, China's commerce ministry said on Monday.

The move aims to address relevant concerns in a more practical, targeted, and consistent manner with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, according to the Ministry of Commerce in a statement.

Accordingly, the European Commission will issue a Guidance Document on Submission of Price Undertaking Offers. In the document, the EU confirms that it will assess each undertaking application under the same legal criteria, in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination and relevant WTO rules, in an objective and fair manner.

The progress fully reflects the spirit of dialogue and the outcomes of consultations between China and the EU. It shows that both China and the EU have the ability and willingness to properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation within the framework of WTO rules, thereby maintaining the stability of automotive industrial and supply chains in China, the EU, and the whole world. This is conducive not only to ensuring the healthy development of China-EU economic and trade relations, but also to safeguarding the rules-based international trade order, the statement said.

On the same day, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) also issued a statement welcoming the positive outcome of the consultations.

The CCCME noted that eligible Chinese EV makers may now submit price undertaking applications in accordance with the EU's guidance, and the European Commission has pledged to review all applications objectively, fairly, and under uniform standards.

The proper settlement of this case meets the shared expectations of industries along the EV supply chain in both China and Europe. It will help ensure the security and stability of related industrial and supply chains and safeguard the broader China-EU economic and trade relationship, the CCCME said.

The chamber expressed appreciation for the substantial efforts made by China's Ministry of Commerce in defending the interests of the domestic industry. It also pledged to encourage and support relevant Chinese enterprises in making full use of the consultation outcomes to protect their interests in exporting to the EU and promote healthy cooperation between the industries of both sides.

China, EU agree on price undertaking guidance for Chinese electric vehicle exporters: commerce ministry