Chongqing - The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival wrapped up successfully in Chongqing, China, celebrating cinematic achievements and fostering cross-cultural dialogue among member states. The prestigious "Golden Camellia Awards" were presented during the closing ceremony, marking the end of the vibrant gathering of actors, musicians, directors, and producers from the 10 SCO member nations. This signifies China's return as host after seven years and solidifies both the city's status as a rising technological film hub and the SCO's commitment to fostering cultural and technological collaboration across Eurasia.
A Vital Platform for Learning and Collaboration
Participants lauded the festival as a crucial platform for learning and collaboration. "I've been meeting different directors, actors, and writers. So it's a good avenue to learn something," shared Muhammad Usama, a Pakistani Actor. Delegations showcased their cinematic cultures, with SCO member countries like Tajikistan and Russia presenting films. "We brought here five movies... we are so happy to participate in such a beautiful, such a fantastic event," expressed Tajik Director, Daler Rakhmatov, highlighting hopes that their films would resonate with audiences and motivate future productions.
The festival underscored the SCO's evolution from its origins addressing Cold War-era border security in Central Asia to its current role as a major Eurasian organization encompassing half the world's population. Its agenda now spans diverse fields like digital economy, green development, and crucially, cultural exchange. "This is a forum where SCO countries can unite on an enriched regional narrative... we are looking forward to collaborating," stated Samina Farzin, Executive Director General of the Directorate of Electronic Media & Publications, Pakistan. Also, Onondorj Dashdondog, Member of Mongolian National Film Council, emphasized cinema's power as a universal language to tell profound stories transcending borders, languages, and traditions. Many filmmakers like Daler noted Chongqing's unique atmosphere of friendship and openness, feeling "like at home" despite diverse backgrounds.
A Heated Discussion about Technology & Film
This year's festival, themed "Technology & Film · Charm of the SCO," placed a significant focus on the inseparable link between cinema and technological advancement. Acclaimed Chinese directors Zhang Yimou, Jia Zhangke, and Dai Mo emphasized that technology transforms directors' visions into tangible realities presented to audiences. "How to present a story... in a cinema full of technology... is inseparable from technology itself," remarked Dai Mo. Discussions highlighted how technology, from pre-visualization and concept design to visual effects, is now deeply integrated throughout the entire filmmaking process, blurring the lines between pre-production and post-production.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sparked diverse opinions. While some international filmmakers like Chris Bremble, Founder and CEO of Base FX Studio, whose major client is Marvel, cited studio restrictions or litigation concerns in superhero films, others acknowledged its potential as a tool.
Concerns about AI replacing jobs were voiced, but many, especially Chinese participants, viewed it optimistically as a powerful aid. "AI for us is more of a tool... an aid for us to be more successful," stated Fan Lin, Producer of Dawa Future (Chongqing) Imaging Technology, showcasing examples where AI drastically reduced pre-production time (by over 70% for tasks like script splitting and storyboarding). The sentiment prevailed that AI should be harnessed, not feared, with predictions that AI-based films would emerge within five years and that China could lead this revolution. "I think China will lead this revolution, and I'm very happy for that," commented Irfan Malik, Head of Aryfilms.
An Upgrade Transformation From Scenic Backdrop to Production Hub
Chongqing's role as the host city was repeatedly praised. Known for its "multi-dimensional topography," earning it the "8D city" moniker, its winding roads, riverbanks, and cascading architecture have long made it a favored filming location. "Chongqing has always been a city chosen by filmmakers, because it has its own characteristics, including language and the entire structure of the city, which is unique in the country," remarked Jiang Haiyang, Chairman of the Digital Production Working Committee of China Film Association. However, the festival highlighted Chongqing's successful transition beyond just being a scenic backdrop to becoming a full-fledged filmmaking hub.
Yongchuan District emerged as a key player in this transformation. Delegates visited the Yongchuan Science and Technology Studio, touted as Asia's largest technological studio, featuring a massive 700+ square meter LED volume enabling virtual production. "We use this real-time rendering technology... to create infinite film and television scenes in limited areas," explained Fan. This Western Film Studio, a pioneering high-tech base in Southwest China, impressed international attendees. "I've been to the studios here... the kind of back screen projection they've created is absolutely brilliant. It's very impressive and a game changer," said Irfan, noting the ability to realistically shoot outdoor scenes indoors and expressing interest in collaborating to "make our films better."