Chongqing - The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival opened with fanfare at Yongchuan Sci-Tech Film Studio on Wednesday evening, marking China’s return as host after a seven-year hiatus. More than 1,500 delegates and filmmakers from SCO countries gathered in Chongqing to celebrate the power of cinema in bridging cultures and telling new stories for a new era.
The opening ceremony of the 2025 SCO Film Festival. (Photo/Deng Qihai)
Bridging Cultures and Innovation
With the theme "Technology & Film·Charm of the SCO," this year’s festival highlights both the cinematic achievements and technological advances of SCO member states. As the world’s largest and most populous regional organization, the SCO brings together a diverse cultural landscape, making the film festival a vital platform for cultural dialogue and cooperation through the language of film.
Ten well-known Chinese actors and actresses, including Yan Ni, Elaine Zhong, and Victoria Song, took the stage as "Ambassadors of Light and Shadow" to introduce 48 outstanding films from SCO countries. During the opening ceremony, representatives presented camellia flowers—a symbol of Chongqing—to filmmakers from across the region.
Ten well-known Chinese actors and actresses take the stage to introduce 48 outstanding films from SCO countries at the opening ceremony of the 2025 SCO Film Festival. (Photo/Deng Qihai)
The festival opened with the screening of “Bazaar Celebration,” set in the ancient city of Kashgar. Director, actor, and writer Abdukerim Abliz shared his belief in the universal language of film, noting that "love, family, and community are feelings understood by audiences everywhere." Along with "Endless Journey," "Bazaar Celebration" will compete for this year's prestigious Jinshancha (Golden Camellia) Award, representing Chinese cinema.
Reflections from Celebrated Actors
Festival ambassador Zhang Ziyi reflected on her career and memories of filming "House of Flying Daggers" in Yongchuan over two decades ago, calling it a “cherished milestone.” She praised the rapid progress of Chinese cinema and the increasing openness to international collaboration.
Festival ambassador Zhang Ziyi reflects on her career and memories of filming “House of Flying Daggers” in Yongchuan at the opening ceremony of the 2025 SCO Film Festival. (Photo/Deng Qihai)
Karry Wang, the festival’s youth ambassador and a Chongqing native, expressed his excitement at seeing his hometown host filmmakers from around the world: “Standing here on my home soil gives me confidence and inspiration to keep dreaming in the world of film.”
Actor Hu Jun recalled his moving experience in the China-Kazakhstan co-production "The Composer," a story of cross-border friendship forged in wartime.
The evening also honored 94-year-old film translator Dai Guangxi, who dedicated his life to introducing films from SCO countries to Chinese audiences.
A Celebration of Art and Unity
The opening night was a spectacular showcase of artistry, featuring over a hundred performers from SCO countries. The event featured a joint Chinese-Kazakh performance of the piano concerto “Yellow River,” a poignant reminder of the historical ties between the two nations. Russian singer Nyusha made her China debut with a high-energy performance, while celebrated Chinese artists delivered beloved movie themes.
Russian singer Nyusha makes her China debut with a high-energy performance at the opening ceremony of the 2025 SCO opening ceremony. (Photo/Deng Qihai)
Orchestral and ballet performances, folk dances, and a rousing choral finale with "Auld Lang Syne" highlighted the evening’s focus on shared humanity through the arts.
The festival brings together outstanding films, diverse perspectives, and creative collaborations, shining a spotlight on the technological frontiers and cultural richness of the SCO community. Through film and innovation, Chongqing is once again connecting the world and inspiring new possibilities for the future of cinema.