A special exhibition titled "Where Dreams Were Created" is drawing attention at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. Showcasing rare film artifacts and memorabilia, and the exhibition vividly traces the journey of Chinese cinema from its early days to the present.
As China celebrates 120 years since the birth of its film industry, the exhibition offers audiences a unique opportunity to explore the art, history, and cultural milestones of Chinese filmmaking.
In the "120 Years of Film History" section of exhibition, the development of Chinese cinema over the past 120 years is carefully traced through rare historical materials such as manuscripts, archival documents, and handwritten notes from filmmakers.
The exhibition features eight themed sections, covering a wide range of topics including film history, martial arts, animation, science fiction, cinematography, and virtual reality. Many of the rare items on display are being unveiled to the public for the first time.
In the Hong Kong cinema section, organizers have creatively designed the exhibition space to resemble a traditional Hong Kong-style tea restaurant. Clippings, film reels, photo albums, stills, and video footage—many of which are being exhibited on the Chinese mainland for the first time—add much to the nostalgic and immersive atmosphere.
"This section also reveals how, as directors and production companies, creators document their own journeys and view their works through the lens of personal expression. It's a powerful experience to see how their creative identities resonate with audiences and transform into remarkable influence and appreciation," said Xu Yi, curator of the exhibition.
A vintage television set at the exhibition plays restored footage from old videotapes, capturing behind-the-scenes moments of collaborations between Chinese filmmakers and their international counterparts in earlier years.
"Though what we see now is just a small videotape and a short segment of footage, it actually represents a significant milestone in the history of Chinese cinema—marking its important step onto the international stage," said Xu.
Exhibition showcases 120 years of Chinese cinema history
