Polish student highlights hope, moral power of Chinese cinema

Claudia Anna Michal, a Polish youth currently studying at Hainan University in south China, reflected on why Chinese movies resonate with her -- particularly through their focus on moral values and societal progress -- on the occasion of the ongoing 27th Shanghai International Film Festival.

The 10-day festival, featuring over 400 domestic and international films screened across Shanghai, opened on Saturday at the Shanghai Grand Theater under the guidance of the China Film Administration and co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Commemorating the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, the festival is set to capture the attention of local cinephiles and global audiences alike.

Michal said that her taste in film spans the entire globe, as well as the spectrum of genres.

"I have watched European, American, Chinese and Indian movies and series. Most often, I choose to watch periodical costume movies and series, as well as thrillers and dramas which are my favorite types of movies. However, I'm open to all kinds of movies which are well-made. So I have my favorite comedies, musicals and action movies too. For example, "Inception" and "The Prestige" by Christopher Nolan, "Passion (of the Christ)" and "Apocalypto" by Mel Gibson, "Titanic" and "Avatar" by James Cameron, "The Shining" and "Eyes Wide Shut" by Stanley Kubrick," she said.

The young movie buff also highlighted a few aspects of Chinese cinema that have resonated with her.

"As for Chinese movies, I really like Chinese criminal movies with action based on Hong Kong. And my favorite Chinese movie by now is "Raging Fire." I rarely enjoy action movies and this one is great. Xie Tingfeng (Nicholas Tse) is also one of my favorite Chinese actors. I appreciate that the main actors in the movie have real fighting skills so there is not so much need of CGI, which makes it wonderful to watch," said Michal.

"What I appreciate about Chinese cinema industry is that it is not afraid of highlighting the society's successes and achievements. I think it builds strong morals among the people and gives them hope that not everything is going wrong with the world. Chinese cinema touches on daily life, family life, moral struggles and issues. And most movies that I have watched really want to teach viewers something important about life, so it's not just an entertainment watching," she said.

Michal expressed her hopes for collaboration between filmmakers in China and her own country.

"This year's Shanghai International Film Festival marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of world cinema, and the 120th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema. I would love if Chinese and Polish directors and filmmakers could exchange ideas and concepts. I think both sides could add a lot of value to each other's work," she said.

Polish student highlights hope, moral power of Chinese cinema

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