Shanghai film festival blends art, film, consumer experience to boost economy

At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, culture and commerce are joining forces to power the city's economy.

With its unique urban charm and thriving business environment, Shanghai is elevating its global cultural influence, turning cinema into a driving force for growth.

During the Shanghai International Film Festival, the entire city feels like a giant film set. From cinemas to galleries and marketplaces, Shanghai is transforming culture into a full-sensory experience, bolstering the city's economy through film, art and more.

"I love it, it's very similar to like Hollywood. Like if you go to Hollywood and go to like the regular Hollywood street, there is an entire space that you can see movies that were shot there a long time ago. The Griffith Observatory for example had that same kind of thing, I love that thing," said a visitor.

"I'm from Nanjing, and I came to Shanghai for the film festival. I bought some souvenirs, watched a few movies, and took a city walk - it has been awesome!" said another visitor.

By blending film with consumer experiences, the festival creates a unique 'film plus consumption' effect, boosting foot traffic, enriching activities, and opening new paths for the creative industry's commercialization.

Walking along the old street, the classic Shanghai vibe blends seamlessly with the atmosphere of the film festival. Surrounded by movie posters and photos, it feels as if film lovers are stepping straight into a movie scene.

At Yuyuan Garden, visitors can scan a code to get film festival souvenirs and enjoy the charms of old Shanghai.

The city brings together resources citywide from top museums to cultural landmarks and nearly 160 daily performances, building a strong vibe that drives consumer activity. The film festival serves as the central thread.

"We have integrated our museum exhibitions with the SIFF, enabling cross-promotion and audience sharing. For example, filmgoers can get ticket discounts at the museum. This is something we're actively exploring in our current exhibitions," said Li Minkun, deputy General Manager of Lujiazui Group and chairwoman of the Museum of Art Pudong.

The Museum of Art Pudong not only hosts a range of lectures and exhibitions on classic Shanghai films, but also creates customized creative products, deeply integrating everyday cultural consumption with cinema.

The cultural industry is now a key pillar of Shanghai's economy. In 2024, major cultural enterprises generated 1.3 trillion-yuan, equivalent to approximately 79 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. A thriving ecosystem of culture and consumption is driving the city forward.

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival officially opened on June 14 in Shanghai, with 49 works shortlisted for this year's Golden Goblet Awards, featuring over 400 domestic and international films screened across Shanghai.

Founded in 1993, the SIFF is a prestigious global event, driven by Shanghai's ambition to become an international cultural hub. The festival has garnered growing international attention thanks to China's flourishing film market.

Shanghai film festival blends art, film, consumer experience to boost economy

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