Rain, stars, and a blue carpet highlight the opening of the 16th Beijing International Film Festival, featuring an international jury and films from 139 countries.
The 16th Beijing International Film Festival opened on April 16th in Beijing, drawing filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world. The event took place at the Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Centre, where a steady spring rain did little to dampen the festive mood.
This year, the festival introduced a fresh visual identity. Instead of the traditional red carpet, organisers rolled out a “Starry Blue Carpet,” inspired by the flowing waters of the Grand Canal. The “Canal Blue” theme gave the opening ceremony a modern and distinctive look.
At the heart of the festival is the Tiantan Award, which continues to expand its global reach. A total of 16 films made the final shortlist. They were selected from 1,826 submissions across 139 countries and regions, setting a new record for international participation.
Leading the international jury is acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche. She is joined by a diverse panel that includes British composer Simon Franglen, director Tran Anh Hung, Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro, Chinese director Bi Gan, and actors Zhang Xiaofei and Zhang Yi. Their presence highlights the festival’s strong international profile.
Meanwhile, other sections also drew attention. Director Feng Xiaogang chaired the jury for the Forward Future section, which focuses on emerging filmmakers. Actress Shu Qi led the final jury for the Project Pitches Section, supporting new film projects.
In addition, animated characters Peppa Pig and George Pig made a surprise appearance. Their upcoming film, Peppa Pig: Perfect Holiday, is a China-UK co-production and will be released this summer. It marks the franchise’s first 3D feature film and centres on a story set in China.
Despite the rain, fans lined the venue and cheered for their favourite stars. Many international journalists also attended the opening ceremony, capturing moments and sharing them instantly on social media.
Additional reporting by Lydia Wang.
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