The 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) kicked off with a star-studded red carpet and grand gala on Friday night, celebrating the "Beijing approach" to world cinema. After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, global filmmakers have gathered once again to showcase their work and celebrate cinema.

The jury members of the Tiantan Awards Zhang Yimou, Stanley Kwan, Nadav Lapid, Pimpaka Towira, Zhang Songwen, and Zhou Dongyu take to the stage at the opening ceremony gala of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2023. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Over 200 iconic filmmakers and guests from around the world, including Chen Kaige, Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi, Wu Jing, Nadav Lapid, Pimpaka Towira, and Lisa Ono, graced the red carpet, signaling the resurgence of China's film industry.

At the gala, the international Tiantan Award jury panel, led by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, pledged to deliver remarkable award winners to the public, stating, "We will present more outstanding films to you. Let us show more love for cinema."

In addition, Zhang will hold a master class and several of his acclaimed films will be exhibited during this year's festival.

The Tiantan Award finalists were chosen from 1,488 films submitted from 93 countries and regions, with three Chinese films, "Ciao," "Lost in the Stars," and "The Shadowless Tower," included in the selection. Presenters such as Jackie Chan and Fabien Gorgeart praised the films as excellent works representing the vast array of global cinema and the filmmakers' unwavering pursuit of art.

With a strong recovery underway, the Chinese film market had a promising start during the Chinese New Year holiday, generating 6.76 billion yuan ($981 million) in total earnings during the holiday period, second only to the highest record for the same period.

Jackie Chan and the cast and crew of "The Legend" pose for a photo on the red carpet of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2023. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]

During the Special Honor session at the gala, the casts and crews of popular blockbusters released during the Spring Festival period, including "Full River Red," "The Wandering Earth 2," "Hidden Blade," and "Deep Sea," took to the stage and expressed their commitment to "create light with joint efforts," sharing their gratitude and hopes for the future.

Filmmakers also promoted their upcoming productions during the opening ceremony, with one notable example being "The Legend," directed by Stanley Tong and starring Jackie Chan, Lay Zhang, Li Chen, and Gulnazar. This sequel to Chan's previous popular film "The Myth" (2005) will continue its blend of action, romance, and historical period drama, with filming taking place in Xinjiang. Chan announced that actress Gulnazar from Xinjiang had been invited to join the cast, aiming to create another cinematic classic.

"The Great War," another blockbuster project directed by Chen Kaige, was also showcased during the opening ceremony. Chen appeared on stage with producers Fu Ruoqing and Chen Hong, as well as 14 cast members, including Zhang Ziyi, Zhu Yilong, Zhang Zifeng, Chen Feiyu, and Zhang Songwen. The film is a joint effort by renowned filmmakers and megastars that aims to depict the history during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea from a panoramic perspective.

Chen promised that "The Great War" would be one of the most epic and ambitious war films ever made. Chen Hong, his wife and a producer on the film, added, "We have been filming with over 3,000 cast and crew members since last July, and we haven't finished yet. This work will become a stunning, impressive, and touching film." The film is set to be released during this year's China's National Day holiday in October.

The cast and crew of "The Great War" gather on the red carpet and take questions from the media at the 13th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, capital of China, April 21, 2023. [Photo by Lun Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

Over the past 13 years, the BJIFF has established itself as a significant driver of high-quality Chinese cinema and an integral part of the global cinema ecosystem. As the first international film festival to fully resume offline operations in China, this year's BJIFF promises to deliver an exceptional experience for film enthusiasts.

This year's BJIFF, taking place from April 22 to 29, offers a variety of activities for moviegoers. The Beijing Film Panorama, featuring over 180 films from multiple countries, is a highlight. The festival includes workshops and masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, a film carnival with more than 40 activities, and the 30th Beijing College Student Film Festival.

The BJIFF is also focusing on enhancing the training system for young directors, collaborating with the Hong Kong International Film Festival, and establishing the Sports Film Project Support Fund. Additionally, organizers are launching screening and forum activities for mid- and low-budget Chinese-language arthouse films. Thailand will be the guest country of honor at this year's BJIFF, with numerous Thai film companies coming to China to hold a Thai film exhibition.

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