On September 30, 2024, the Beijing Lido International Film Week wrapped up after five dynamic days dedicated to the ever-changing world of cinema. The event featured three thought-provoking roundtable forums and screenings of eight remarkable films that celebrated the essence of storytelling on the big screen.

Throughout the week, industry professionals engaged in a series of forums that tackled pressing topics within the film sector. The festivities were further enhanced by special activities associated with the Beijing Film Festival, providing attendees with a variety of experiences. Highlights included a charity screening of eight exceptional films, a symphonic concert, a ballet performance, a street dance showcase, and live band acts, all emphasizing the enduring appeal of cinematic arts.

The first roundtable, titled “Bringing In and Going Out: The International Development Path of China’s Film Industry,” featured insights from representatives of prominent organizations such as New Classics Media Group and the International Communication Research Institute under the National Radio and Television Administration. Panelists exchanged views on critical areas, including content creation, transmission mechanisms, policy guidance, technological innovation, and talent development, while exploring new avenues for promoting Chinese culture on a global scale.

Another forum, “How a TV Show Can Ignite a City: The Synergy between Film and Tourism,” convened experts from the National Cultural Innovation Experimental Zone Management Committee and the Dali Tourism Bureau, among others. Participants discussed how film and television can bolster tourism and how travel resources can inspire creative film projects.

The forum “Narrative in Melody: Exploring the Fusion of Film and Music” gathered representatives from various organizations, including the China Symphony Orchestra and the Jackie Chan Dragon Heart Cultural Charity Foundation, to examine the relationship between film and music.

One of the standout events was “The Everlasting Beijing Film Festival,” a two-day affair that fostered communication among filmmakers at the historic Temple of Heaven Lecture Hall and featured screenings of award-winning films such as “Above the Clouds” and “A Walk and Stop.” This initiative aimed to bolster industry dialogue, promote high-quality development, and offer emerging talent a stage to showcase their works.

In terms of film screenings, the festival showcased eight exceptional Chinese films, including the award-winning “Above the Clouds” and “A Walk and Stop,” alongside the poignant “The Long Journey Home,” the heartwarming “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,” the imaginative “The Wandering Earth 2,” and the gripping thriller “The Suspect.” Each film provided unique narratives and styles, enriching the viewing experience for audiences.

Adding to the artistic flair of the week were two symphonic concerts featuring musicians from the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. They performed a selection of classic pieces from both Chinese and international repertoires, including “Ode to the Red Flag,” “My Motherland,” “Waltz No. 2,” as well as iconic scores from “Harry Potter” and “Titanic.”