Star-studded gala celebrates 120 years of Chinese cinema

More than 100 filmmakers and musicians gathered in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Dec. 18 for a gala marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.

A gala marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema is held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Dec. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The event celebrated the milestone of China's box office surpassing 50 billion yuan ($7.1 billion) in 2025, highlighting the industry's recent successes and trends. Organizers emphasized a youthful theme, aiming to capture the energy driving modern Chinese cinema.

Creative teams from current holiday releases, including "Shanghai Wonton," "The Lost Daughter" and "Under Current," attended the event. They were joined by cast and crew from upcoming 2026 titles such as "Escape From the Outland," "Panda Plan 2" and "Peng Hu," using the platform to promote a strong close to the 2025 box office year and a positive start for the year ahead.

Actors introduce their new film "Peng Hu" during a gala marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Dec. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

In conjunction with the gala, the China Movie Channel broadcast its "China Travel with Chinese Films" program live from Chengdu, inviting filmmakers and locals to explore the city's cultural heritage. The campaign, which has toured provinces such as Yunnan, Jilin, Liaoning, Hubei and Fujian this year, launched its new Sichuan leg during the gala, inviting filmmakers to experience the province's splendid landscapes.

A leading box office contributor, Chengdu boasts the largest film audience in southwest China and has emerged as a key hub for creative talent and industry resources.

Singer Wei Wei performs during a gala to mark the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Dec. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

Beyond the main event, the China Movie Channel's live broadcast featured film artist Xiao Guiyun and the creative team behind the film "Shanghai Wonton" visiting Chengdu's film industry park. They interacted with industry professionals and local audiences to discuss the craft, while the broadcast also explored historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Sanxingdui Museum.

The celebration culminated in a concert of movie theme songs. Performers ranging from veterans to rising stars, including Li Yuchun, Zhou Shen, Angie Chiu, Janice Man, Louise Wong, Wang Zhengliang, Wei Wei, Terry Lin and Jin Haixin, sang hits from films and TV series that have resonated across generations.

Actors Angie Chiu (left) and Qi Xi perform during a gala marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Dec. 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The gala was broadcast on the China Movie Channel, Chengdu's local TV station and various online platforms. It was also screened in selected cinemas across six cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.