Chinese dramas and films

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), one of the world's major cinema events alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice, has opened in Shanghai. The festival runs through June 21, with an extended programme continuing until June 28.

A record-breaking 4,100 submissions were received from 125 countries and regions. A total of 420 films from 77 countries and regions have been selected for screening, including 41 world premieres. Screenings will take place at 47 cinemas in Shanghai and five nearby cities. For the first time, films from Ghana and Mozambique are featured in the lineup.

Twelve films from 15 countries and territories are competing for the festival's top prize, the Golden Goblet, which will be awarded on June 20.

The main competition jury is headed by Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The jury also includes Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha, Chinese director Guan Hu, Kyrgyz director Aktan Arym Kubat, Georgian filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili, Mexican filmmaker Fernanda Valadez and Chinese actress Xin Zhi Lei.

The gala opening ceremony took place on June 13. Golden Goblet jury members, nominated directors and representatives of major Chinese and international film projects walked the red carpet, underscoring the festival's growing global stature and influence.

One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of honorary awards. Actress and cultural ambassador Lisa Lu received a lifetime achievement award for her contribution to cinema, while renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the development of Chinese cinema — recognising their exceptional achievements and lasting impact on the film industry.

Arthur Chen Fei Yu hosted the opening ceremony of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival and served as the special presenter for the Golden Goblet awards ceremony. This role was created for the first time for a representative of the younger generation of filmmakers. Described as "the face of youth and the official representative of the new generation of Chinese filmmakers", it is an honorary position that confers a certain status rather than a purely functional role such as emceeing or handing out awards. The title is officially bestowed and represents the industry's recognition and support for a new generation of talented performers.

Several photos from the ceremony have emerged today, and the actor himself shared pictures of his preparations to take the stage at the festival.

You can watch the opening ceremony here или here: