Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival officially opened in Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, on 19 September, bringing together representatives of the film industry, culture and media from around the world.
The festival is organized by China Media Group and the governments of Shaanxi and Fujian provinces.
The opening ceremony was attended by officials from Shaanxi Province and Xi’an, representatives of China Media Group, Egypt’s National Film Center, the China Film Foundation, the international film community and the diplomatic corps. Uzbekistan was represented by Farhod Arziev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China.
Shaanxi Governor Zhao Gang delivered a welcome address. Shen Haixiong, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Director of China Media Group, addressed the festival participants in a video message.
Egypt, the honorary guest country of this year’s festival, was represented by Ahmed Saleh, Director of Egypt’s National Film Center.
Cinema as a space for cultural dialogue
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shen Haixiong said that over 13 years, the Silk Road International Film Festival had developed into a prominent international platform bringing together filmmakers from China and other countries.
According to him, the festival not only promotes professional interaction among film industry representatives but also creates new opportunities for cultural exchange between peoples.
Particular attention was given to the international screening and presentation programme “Light and Shadow of the Silk Road,” organized by China Media Group in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Shen Haixiong said continued cooperation with foreign partners would make it possible to create and distribute new stories about the Silk Road, expand international awareness of Chinese culture and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Shaanxi Governor Zhao Gang, in turn, said that, following the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, the festival had 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 cooperation, professional dialogue and mutual enrichment among national film industries.
Traditions meet technology
The opening ceremony combined traditional art with modern technologies.
Using artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the organizers created a large-scale audiovisual performance with an immersive effect. Dancers and humanoid robots performed on the same stage, while traditional Chinese melodies were combined with musical works from other countries.
A separate programme focused on the interaction between traditional art and contemporary cinema.
Theatrical performances and classic films were presented in a dialogue, while filmmakers from different generations showcased works combining cultural heritage with contemporary artistic language.
Record international participation
The 13th Silk Road International Film Festival is being held under the slogan “Silk Road Connects the World, Light and Shadow Illuminate Chang’an.”
This year, the festival received 2,130 film submissions from 139 countries and regions, representing the widest international participation in the event’s history.
For the first time, the festival features a special section titled “Silk Road with Children — Children’s Film Festival,” presenting more than 60 children’s films from around the world. Fifteen films have been selected for the competition programme.
More than 400 Chinese and international films are being screened for the general public during the festival.
Egypt is the festival’s honorary guest
Egypt has a special place in this year’s festival programme as the honorary guest country.
The event is being held in the year marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, giving the cultural programme additional significance.
The festival will feature 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 exchanges, film tourism and the introduction of technological innovations.
Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Pau has been named chairman of the international jury for the Golden Silk Road awards this year.
The festival will continue through 23 September. On the closing day, winners of the Golden Silk Road awards will be announced in major categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and other categories.
The Silk Road International Film Festival is regarded by its organizers not only as a professional film platform but also as a modern continuation of the centuries-old tradition of cultural ties among countries along the historic Silk Road.
