Shanghai International Film Festival 2025: A Grand Cinematic Celebration

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF): A Cinematic Carnival

The vibrant city of Shanghai has officially kicked off the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). This year's festival invites everyone to join in a grand celebration under the theme "City of Film." Running from June 14 to June 23, the event promises a cinematic feast featuring over 400 films from 71 countries and regions, showcased across 48 cinemas and 61 screening venues in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta. Notably, almost half of the films will be making their global or regional premieres, reflecting the festival's commitment to presenting fresh and diverse cinematic voices.

Among the special sections this year are "Resonance," which highlights iconic Chinese and international films, and "Cannes Express," showcasing eight critically acclaimed works fresh off the Cannes Film Festival. New additions such as "Asia Now," which emphasizes cutting-edge Asian cinema, and "SIFF Immersive," dedicated to virtual reality experiences, further enrich the programming.

Shanghai stands as China’s leading cinematic market, boasting 379 cinemas and generating the highest box office revenue in the country. As of now, there are 358 operational cinemas across the city's 16 districts, featuring 2,217 screens and over 100 auditoriums equipped with cutting-edge projection technology. This infrastructure reinforces Shanghai's status as the world's largest cinematic market in terms of scale, with the city's box office revenue reaching 2.15 billion yuan (approximately 300 million USD) in 2024.

Chen Guo, the General Manager of the Shanghai International Film and TV Events Centre, noted that the festival's concentrated screenings of high-quality films consistently generate greater enthusiasm from audiences than during regular screening periods. This excitement was evident as tickets went on sale on June 5, selling out 600 sessions of 92 films within just an hour, out of a total offering of more than 1,500 sessions covering over 400 titles. Particularly noteworthy was the rapid sell-out of the "Best Director Film" in the Golden Goblet Main Competition, which was claimed in a mere 26 seconds.

In an innovative approach, the festival transforms the entire city into a cinematic playground, reinforcing its vision of making cinema accessible to all. The SIFF organized numerous public interaction sessions in almost all screening sections, while the jury president of the Golden Goblet Award, Giuseppe Tornatore, will also participate in a Masterclass on June 20.

Peter Chan, during the first Masterclass of the SIFF, shared his insights, stating, "Regardless of the genre I tackle, the key to success is to remain true to myself. Balancing authenticity with audience service is the most challenging hurdle, but it is a balance we must seek."

The festival merges cinema with gastronomy and travel experiences as well. Limited-edition coffee cups and customized packaging ignited a frenzy on social media, while "cinephile meal deals" and gastronomic maps titled "See Movies, Savor Shanghai" guide festival-goers to nearby dining hotspots. Travel packages encompassing hotels, attractions, and cinema tickets offer a seamless experience for visitors.

As the city takes on its role as a canvas of light and shadow, the SIFF warmly invites the global audience to partake in this unforgettable celebration of cinema and culture.