(From left to right) Winner of 2007 Miss Universe Zhang Zilin, famous novelist and screenwriter Yan Geling and SIFF's managing director Tang Lijun at the promotion campaign.
On February 11th, 2012, the Shanghai International Film Festival held its reception on the third day of the Berlin International Film Festival. More than 200 guests attended the reception, including famous film directors and producers from around the world, organizers of the Berlinale, and industry leaders from America and Europe. This was the fifth consecutive year for SIFF to host its promotional campaign in Berlin.
China's Film Market Amazed the World
Madam Tang Lijun, SIFF's managing director released the outstanding achievements of the Chinese film market. Over the last year, the Chinese film industry kept growing and many records were set. Box office revenue hit 13.115 billion, a 28.93 percent increase from the previous year. 791 domestic films were produced last year, over 50% jump. The number of screens in the country rose to 9,200, up nearly 50 percent. And the number of cinemas increased 40 percent to 2,803. 20 Chinese films made at least 100-million, a record year for domestic films. These figures inspired the film industry and presented the world with an energetic and promising market.
SIFF Is Highly Recognized throughout the World
As one of the most important links in the industry chain, the Shanghai International Film Festival continued to grow in 2011, featuring films from China's fast developing film industry, not to mention the global film industry. 1,519 feature films and 9,875 shorts from 102 countries and regions applied for the 14th Shanghai International Film Festival. The films attracted more than 300,000 movie goers. 2,015 registered buyers and 5,436 industry professionals took part in the film market. 209 projects from 17 countries and regions signed up for the China Film Pitch and Catch program as well as the Co-production Film Pitch and Catch. SIFFORUM included 11 seminars with 100 industry titans sharing their in-depth insights.
The 15th Shanghai International Film Festival
Madam Tang also discussed the preparations for the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival. The 15th SIFF opens on June 16th. It will focus on developing the Golden Goblet Award and Asia New Talent Award to increase the core competitiveness of the film festival, as well as exploring New Media, expanding new functions. The organizing committee will invite 4-5 young female talents to produce micro movies featuring "Growning, Gratitude, Solicitude, Beauty" and are filled with humanistic care, calling for true love, passing on true love, and in return for love through their unique female social and cultural perspectives. Meanwhile, the SIFF will continue to employ the cell phone to hold the second Mobile Film Festival, creating a valuable chance for new directors to pursuit their dreams.
This year's festival will also include the screening of several classic Chinese movies that have been restored. It was the project SIFF launched in its last edition and in collaboration with world's leading watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. The films will include "Spring River Flows East", "8,000 Li of Cloud and Moon", and "Crossroads". They were some of the most famous Chinese movies produced in the 1930s to 40s.