The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival officially commenced in Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, on September 19. The event gathered representatives from the film industry, culture, and media from various parts of the world.
The festival is organized by the China Media Group in collaboration with the governments of Shaanxi and Fujian provinces. The opening ceremony was attended by officials from Shaanxi and Xi'an, representatives of the China Media Group, the Egyptian National Cinema Center, the China Film Fund, the international film community, and the diplomatic corps. Uzbekistan was represented by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China, Farokh Arziyev.
The Governor of Shaanxi Province, Zhao Gang, delivered a welcoming speech. Shen Haixiong, Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of the China Media Group, addressed the festival participants in a video message.
Egypt, the guest of honor for the festival this year, was represented by Ahmed Saleh, Director of the Egyptian National Cinema Center.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shen Haixiong noted that over more than 13 years, the Silk Road Film Festival has transformed into a significant international platform uniting filmmakers from China and other countries. According to him, the festival promotes not only professional interaction among film industry representatives but also creates new opportunities for cultural exchange between peoples.
Special attention was paid to the international program of screenings and presentations, 'Light and Shadow of the Silk Road,' organized by the China Media Group in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Shen Haixiong emphasized that further cooperation with foreign partners will enable the creation and dissemination of new stories about the Silk Road, expand awareness of Chinese culture internationally, and strengthen ties between peoples.
In turn, Shaanxi Governor Zhao Gang stated that, following the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, the festival has become an important platform for cultural exchange and professional cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Shaanxi intends to continue using cinema to promote international cultural interaction, professional dialogue, and mutual enrichment of national film industries.
The opening ceremony combined traditional art with modern technology. Organizers utilized artificial intelligence and augmented reality to create an immersive large-scale audiovisual performance. Dancers and humanoid robots performed on one stage, with traditional Chinese melodies harmoniously blending with musical pieces from other countries.
A dedicated program focused on the interaction between traditional art and contemporary cinema. Theatrical productions and classic films were presented in dialogue, while filmmakers of different generations showcased works that merge cultural heritage with modern artistic language.
The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival is held under the slogan 'The Silk Road Connects the World, Light and Shadow Illuminate Chang'an.' This year, the festival received 2130 film submissions from 139 countries and regions, marking the widest international participation in the event's history. For the first time, the festival includes a special section, 'Silk Road with Children — Children's Film Festival,' featuring over 60 children's films from around the world; fifteen of these were selected for the competition. Over 400 Chinese and international films will be shown to the general public during the festival.
Egypt serves as the festival's guest of honor. The event takes place in a year marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, which adds extra significance to the cultural program. The festival also provides for professional meetings and discussions on the development of the film industry within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Participants will discuss international film cooperation, copyright exchange, film tourism, and the implementation of technological innovations.
Chinese director Peter Pau has been appointed as the chairman of the international jury for the 'Golden Silk Road' award this year. The festival will run until September 23. On the closing day, the winners of the 'Golden Silk Road' award in major categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, as well as in other nominations, will be announced. The organizers view the Silk Road International Film Festival not only as a professional film platform but also as a modern continuation of the age-old tradition of cultural ties between countries along the historical Silk Road.
