Venice, Italy—Traveling 11,000 kilometers, the Chongqing delegation arrived in Venice, Italy, on August 30 to attend the parallel session of the Terra di Siena International Film Festival during the Venice International Film Festival 2024.

The longstanding friendship between China and Italy, which began with Marco Polo, continues today, with the film serving as a bridge for cultural exchange between the two nations.

The Chongqing delegation joined the parallel session of the Terra di Siena International Film Festival during the Venice International Film Festival 2024. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

China and Italy discuss film industry cooperation

In June, the Terra di Siena International Film Festival and Chongqing Science and Technology Film Week were officially linked as sister festivals. The Chongqing delegation's visit aimed to promote its films at the Venice International Film Festival and enhance collaboration between the two film industries.

Zhang Qiong, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, highlighted Chongqing's role as a significant cultural and economic hub in western China.

Zhang Qiong, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, promoted Chongqing's film industry. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Zhang emphasized the city's commitment to advancing its film industry through virtual filming and technological innovation. Chongqing is working to develop the Western science and technology film and television city in Yongchuan District and aims to shift from "film in Chongqing" to "Chongqing films."

Zhang invited international guests to explore Chongqing's culture and film technology to strengthen cooperation and promote global film industry growth.

Chongqing: a city of future filmmaking

The promotion event drew nearly a hundred attendees from the film industry, with the venue packed to capacity. When a promotional video showcasing Chongqing was played, many guests eagerly captured the beautiful scenes with their phones. 

Stefania Maria Luigina Casini, the overseas representative for the Terra di Siena International Film Festival, praised Chongqing, saying, "This truly is a city of future filmmaking!"

Italian guests received gifts from Chongqing. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

After the presentation, attendees were enthusiastic and took the opportunity to take photos together, share ideas, and exchange opinions. 

Maria Pia Corbelli, President and Founder of the Terra di Siena International Film Festival, noted that the collaboration between the two places symbolizes the growth of the film industry. She emphasized that such events help bring Chongqing's films to an international audience, increasing awareness of both Chongqing and Chinese cinema.

First Chinese seguso award winner at Venice

At the event, Lu Qi, President of Dawa Technology, became the first Chinese recipient of the prestigious Seguso Award at the Venice International Film Festival, marking a significant achievement in film.

Lu Qi, President of Dawa Technology, received the prestigious Seguso Award at the Venice International Film Festival. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Gianluca Seguso, a member of the 23rd generation of the renowned Venetian Seguso glassmakers, expressed pride in honoring a Chinese recipient, reflecting a milestone in Sino-Italian film collaboration.

Lu expressed his deep honor at receiving such a significant award at the festival. He noted that this recognition highlights the international acclaim of Chongqing's Yongchuan Technology Film Studio.

During discussions with peers, Lu observed that China is at the forefront of technological advancements in film. He affirmed his commitment to leveraging Chongqing's film industry strengths and leading his team to contribute to the progress of technology-driven cinema in China and globally.