China's Qingdao emerges as key hub of global film industry

As the 20th China Huabiao Film Awards ceremony will take place in the coastal city of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province on April 27, Qingdao is cementing its role as a key hub of the global film industry.

Traditionally hosted in Beijing, this year's Huabiao Awards will be presented outside the Chinese capital for the first time.

As China's first UNESCO-designated City of Film, Qingdao has earned a reputation as a "dream film factory" and a natural studio. The city's growth into a filmmaking powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable.

Since 2013, Qingdao has been developing the China Movie Metropolis, a sprawling film park that now spans 1.7 million square meters - equivalent to more than 230 standard football fields.

The park is home to one of China's most advanced film production bases, featuring 40 international-standard soundstages and 32 multifunctional setting workshops.

"The film park features a globally leading virtual production platform, equipped with cutting-edge filmmaking technologies, including full-body 3D scanning, micron-level facial scanning, motion capture, and real-time rendering, which are all available here," China Media Group host Zhang Tao said during a recent visit to Qingdao to explore the city's rich cinematic history.

The facility also includes a 10,000-square-meter soundstage and an indoor constant temperature underwater stage, enabling the seamless production of grand cinematic scenes.

"Qingdao is home to over 1,500 film-related companies, with some of the country's top production teams specializing in props, set design, equipment, and film art," said Zhang.

Notably, two companies in Qingdao contributed to the post-production of the hugely successful animated hit "Ne Zha 2," showcasing the city's ability to manage every step of the filmmaking process.

"Up to now, film production bases in Qingdao, represented by the China Movie Metropolis, has hosted over 500 film and TV production teams, with films shot in the city generating over 38.7 billion yuan (about 5.29 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue," said Zhang.

Famous blockbusters such as "The Wandering Earth" series, "Creation of The Gods," "Successor," "Moon Man" and "YOLO" were all filmed in Qingdao, further cementing the city's role as a leading film production center.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, and Qingdao itself shares a 118-year history with the film industry.

The Seamen's Club in Qingdao is the home to China's first-ever cinema, which opened in 1907.

"According to statistics, from the 1930s to the Spring Festival holiday this year, nearly 200 films were shot in Qingdao, which is why many people refer to the city as the 'romantic old friend' of Chinese cinema," said Zhang.

As Qingdao continues to expand its role in the global film industry, it not only celebrates its historical connection to the silver screen but also positions itself as a vital player in the future of filmmaking. The city's hosting of the Huabiao Film Awards ceremony underscores its growing influence and commitment to fostering a thriving film culture.

China's Qingdao emerges as key hub of global film industry

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