The 17th China International Children’s Film Festival opens in Chengdu

On October 20th, the 17th China International Children’s Film Festival officially kicked off in Chengdu. The festival, themed “Accompanying Light and Shadow, Looking Towards the Future,” is co-hosted by Chengdu and Jinan, focusing on the development and innovation of children’s films.

During the opening ceremony, Zhang Pimin, chairman of the China Film Foundation, expressed that since its inception, the China International Children’s Film Festival has been tasked with showcasing the achievements of Chinese children’s cinema and promoting global cultural exchange. He emphasized that the festival gathers outstanding works from around the world, promising to deliver a diverse and innovative artistic experience for viewers. He hopes that children will explore the world through cinema, gaining insight into their own hearts while harvesting dreams and joy.

Cao Jun, a member of the Leading Party Group and deputy secretary-general of the China Film Association, noted that children’s films are a significant part of China’s film industry. He affirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with local entities in Chengdu, organizing children’s film activities, and supporting creative endeavors, all to provide a richer array of cinematic works for children.

Huang Jun, president of the China Children’s and Juvenile Film Society, shared that this year’s festival received exceptional children’s films from various countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, including the latest works from Chinese filmmakers. He also mentioned plans for campus screenings that will allow children in Chengdu to experience the spirit of youth and the scenic allure of friendly nations.

According to reports, the festival showcases an array of high-quality children’s films from multiple countries including China, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Canada. Audiences can look forward to 22 domestic films such as “I Am the Wind” and “Sunflower Squad,” alongside 15 international features like “Soccer Girl” and “Rebel Weekend.” The films represent a wide range of genres, rich narratives, and high production values, including both live-action and animated formats.

Additionally, the festival will feature a Children’s Film Industry Expo in Chengdu, inviting domestic and international film institutions to participate and discuss advancements in filmmaking technologies. Moreover, an experiential exhibition of future film technologies will take place at the Chengdu Riverside Park Film Technology Center. This exhibit will employ modern technology like AR, VR, and XR to create sci-fi scenes such as “Forest Adventure,” “Journey Through the Jurassic,” and “Metaverse Marketplace,” promising an immersive audiovisual experience for attendees.