16th Beijing Int’l Film Festival kicks off

The 16th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival has officially begun with a colourful and grand opening ceremony held in the Chinese capital on Thursday.

Jointly organised by China Media Group and the Beijing municipal government, the opening event featured a spectacular celebration marking the start of one of the world’s prominent film festivals.

Sun Junmin, head of the Publicity Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, delivered the welcome speech and formally declared the festival open.

In his remarks, he said Beijing is not only a city but also the cultural heart of China, adding that the film festival plays a significant role in connecting emotions through cinema, enhancing the city’s cultural vibrancy and strengthening international cultural exchange.

This year’s edition has attracted strong global participation, with 1,826 films submitted from 139 countries and regions. Organisers said 88 percent of the entries are international productions, reflecting the festival’s growing global reach and influence.