The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival: A Cinematic Celebration Like No Other
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) has officially commenced, turning the city into a vibrant celebration of cinema. Held from June 14 to June 23, the festival showcases more than 400 films from 71 countries and regions across 48 theaters and 61 screening rooms in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta. Almost half of the showcased films are global or regional premieres, making this event a significant highlight on the international film calendar.
This year, the festival's theme, "City of Films," promises unparalleled experiences where the boundaries between cinema and reality blur, inviting everyone to take part in a grand cinematic carnival. Notable segments include "Resonance," which features iconic Chinese and international films, and "Cannes Express," presenting eight acclaimed works freshly arrived from the Cannes Film Festival. New additions this year are the "Asia Now" section, focusing on contemporary Asian cinema, and "SIFF Immersive," which emphasizes virtual reality experiences.
As China’s most lucrative film market, Shanghai is leading the nation with its impressive number of screens and box office revenue. Currently, the city boasts 358 cinemas spanning all 16 districts, equipped with 2,217 screens and more than 100 auditoriums with cutting-edge projection technology, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest cinema market. Thanks to this robust infrastructure, Shanghai achieved a box office gross of 2.15 billion yuan (approximately 300 million dollars) in 2024, solidifying its position as China’s top film city.
Chen Guo, the executive director of the Shanghai International Film and TV Events Centre, commented, “The concentrated screenings of high-quality films during the festival often ignite greater enthusiasm among audiences than usual.” This excitement was evident when ticket sales began on June 5, with over 600 screenings of 92 films selling out within just one hour, out of a total of more than 1,500 screenings featuring over 400 titles. The fastest-selling film, named "Best Director" in the Golden Goblet Main Competition, sold out in an impressive 26 seconds.
This year, SIFF is taking new steps by transforming the entire city into a cinema playground, an innovative initiative reflecting the festival's vision of making cinema accessible to everyone. SIFF has organized around 100 audience discussions that cover nearly all screening categories. The president of the Golden Goblet Award jury, Giuseppe Tornatore, is set to participate in a masterclass on June 20, adding prestige to this year’s events.
During the first masterclass, Peter Chan shared valuable insights, stating, “No matter which genre I am in, a key aspect of success is to remain true to oneself. Balancing authenticity with providing for the audience is the toughest challenge – yet it’s a balance we must achieve.”
Additionally, SIFF is connecting cinema with culinary delights and travel experiences. Limited-edition coffee cups and custom packaging have sparked a social media frenzy, while "Film Hopping Culinary Offers" and "See Movies, Savor Shanghai" dining cards guide festival attendees to gourmet hotspots near the cinemas. Travel packages bundling hotels, attractions, and movie tickets offer guests a seamless experience.
As the city embraces its role as the "Canvas of Light and Shadow," SIFF invites the world to partake in this unforgettable celebration of film and culture.
This year, the festival's theme, "City of Films," promises unparalleled experiences where the boundaries between cinema and reality blur, inviting everyone to take part in a grand cinematic carnival. Notable segments include "Resonance," which features iconic Chinese and international films, and "Cannes Express," presenting eight acclaimed works freshly arrived from the Cannes Film Festival. New additions this year are the "Asia Now" section, focusing on contemporary Asian cinema, and "SIFF Immersive," which emphasizes virtual reality experiences.
As China’s most lucrative film market, Shanghai is leading the nation with its impressive number of screens and box office revenue. Currently, the city boasts 358 cinemas spanning all 16 districts, equipped with 2,217 screens and more than 100 auditoriums with cutting-edge projection technology, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest cinema market. Thanks to this robust infrastructure, Shanghai achieved a box office gross of 2.15 billion yuan (approximately 300 million dollars) in 2024, solidifying its position as China’s top film city.
Chen Guo, the executive director of the Shanghai International Film and TV Events Centre, commented, “The concentrated screenings of high-quality films during the festival often ignite greater enthusiasm among audiences than usual.” This excitement was evident when ticket sales began on June 5, with over 600 screenings of 92 films selling out within just one hour, out of a total of more than 1,500 screenings featuring over 400 titles. The fastest-selling film, named "Best Director" in the Golden Goblet Main Competition, sold out in an impressive 26 seconds.
This year, SIFF is taking new steps by transforming the entire city into a cinema playground, an innovative initiative reflecting the festival's vision of making cinema accessible to everyone. SIFF has organized around 100 audience discussions that cover nearly all screening categories. The president of the Golden Goblet Award jury, Giuseppe Tornatore, is set to participate in a masterclass on June 20, adding prestige to this year’s events.
During the first masterclass, Peter Chan shared valuable insights, stating, “No matter which genre I am in, a key aspect of success is to remain true to oneself. Balancing authenticity with providing for the audience is the toughest challenge – yet it’s a balance we must achieve.”
Additionally, SIFF is connecting cinema with culinary delights and travel experiences. Limited-edition coffee cups and custom packaging have sparked a social media frenzy, while "Film Hopping Culinary Offers" and "See Movies, Savor Shanghai" dining cards guide festival attendees to gourmet hotspots near the cinemas. Travel packages bundling hotels, attractions, and movie tickets offer guests a seamless experience.
As the city embraces its role as the "Canvas of Light and Shadow," SIFF invites the world to partake in this unforgettable celebration of film and culture.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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