Diverse events at Beijing film festival offer connectivity

The ongoing Beijing International Film Festival is trying to involve all people, being them celebrities, distributors, emerging filmmakers or fans, with its rich and diverse events.

Running from April 16 to 25, the 16th edition of the festival offers more than star-studded red carpets, award competitions and film screenings - what most people picture at a film festival. For emerging filmmakers, it's a launchpad to debut their works, connect with industry peers, and even walk away with funding.

The film festival's many panels offer film students good opportunity to learn from industry experts on subjects from directing to cutting-edge technology.

Many people also attend as business professionals, representing their companies, negotiating distribution deals.

"We are here screening one of our films that we are representing as a sales agent. And I'm here to share that movie with potential buyers and to meet distributors here in China," said Robert Carney, senior vice president of international sales at the American entertainment company FilmNation.

"It's very important to connect with domestic industry here. So I think this is a very important initiative - to have direct contact with Chinese companies, always helps a lot to find distribution in a very tough market," said Luis Renart, CEO of Spanish distributor Bendita Film Sales.

"For new connections, new networks, I think it is a great way to bring people together, and understand much diversity exist in the world, in regards to animation, films, storytelling and everything, where people can really connect with it and just step away from those geopolitical issues that are happening at the moment," said Lorena Booth, development producer and senior sales manager of German distributor Studio 100 International.

Tech firms are also on site, exploring collaborations and forming partnerships.

"Our company focuses on integrating AI technology into films. We also offer AI classes for aspiring filmmakers - and we provide job opportunities for some of our learners. The Beijing International Film Festival gives us a great chance not only to sell our classes, but also to find talent for our company," said Zhao Liang, IP department manager for AIGC company Jinhuigu.

For film lovers, the film festival has stepped up its game, introducing various cultural experiences beyond just screenings.

"I used to come to the Beijing International Film Festival mainly for the movies. But this time, there's so much more - markets, booths, open-air screenings - all of which make the whole experience feel special," said Xiong Jiarui, a student.

The festival's efforts fit into China's larger vision "Film Plus" - film IPs becoming products and immersive experiences. By introducing film-related tourism, this model turns movie-watching into a broader boost for local consumption.

Diverse events at Beijing film festival offer connectivity

Visually impaired children at the Al-Noor Center in Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza Strip city, are learning to navigate life after losing their sight in the wake of a devastating war.

Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued despite a U.S.-brokered truce that took effect in October. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of ceasefire violations, which have killed more than 780 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers.

The UN has warned that the shelling and gunfire in residential area are endangering civilians. Among those affected are hundreds of children who have lost their sight.

As the number of cases continues to rise, the Al-Noor Center functions not merely as a school but as a lifeline. The center was established in 1962 and is run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Among the children it serves is Mohammad Odeh, who was injured by an unexploded remnant of war while playing among the rubble. He lost his eyesight and one of his hands in the blast.

"This center has given me a new life. I can read and write in Braille, and I can walk using a cane. I made new friends here, and we play football together," the boy said.

The impact of war continues to deepen the suffering of blind children. In displacement camps, tents, rubble and damaged streets make every step a challenge.

"I hope the world can see my son Mohammad, who cannot see them, and see the environment he lives in. Is this a life fit for any human being? Life in a tent is not suitable for an ordinary person, let alone for a blind child struggling among tents and rubble," said Hassan Odeh, Mohammad's father.

For many families, the school has become a source of hope for children learning to move forward despite blindness and loss.

"Before my son joined this school, he was inactive. His brothers went to school while he stayed at home. When the school reopened, he became active again and his movement improved. He loves going to school," said Israa Abu Jarbou, mother of a blind Palestinian child.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 17,000 Palestinians suffered eye injuries during the war. Children account for 20 percent of the cases, sharply increasing the number of visually impaired people in Gaza.

Special school in central Gaza brings hope to children blinded by war