From All Ears to Great Love Dunhuang, this year's Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) features many high-quality films from China. Deep in thought and rich in content, they are winning the hearts of movie lovers. The SIFF celebrates the latest advances in Chinese cinema, with a nod to cross-cultural collaborations and an eye on exciting new movies from around the world.
Many films from China are competing for the prestigious Golden Goblet Awards, including All Ears.
Produced by director Cao Baoping and written and directed by Liu Jiayin, the film tells the story of Wen Shan, portrayed by Hu Ge, who changes his career path from a screenwriter to a eulogist.
By meeting people from all walks of life, Wen comforts others through his work, giving him a sense of inner peace.
Hu Ge hails from Shanghai. During a press briefing at the SIFF, he said he feels lucky to have had the chance to play the role of Wen Shan.
The cast also includes actor Wu Lei. Anticipation for the movie is high due to its special theme.
Actor Wu Lei said, "The film tells a heartwarming story. After reading the script, I didn't know if I could do it, because it was a genre that I hadn't worked in before. I needed to try and learn. In the early stage of creation and shooting, I had a lot of discussions with the director, which was very interesting. I learned a lot. It was a joyful experience working with everyone. "
The film festival is also showcasing the movie, Great Love Dunhuang.
It portrays the life of Fan Jinshi, who wins the title of "The Daughter of Dunhuang" due to her efforts to support the excavation and the protection of northwest China's famed Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, something she did well into her 80s.
By telling the story of Fan Jinshi, the film also aims to popularize Dunhuang culture.
The movie's star cast were spotted on the red carpet at the opening of the 25th SIFF.
Holding a commemorative silk scarf, they showed the beauty of Dunhuang's thousand-year-old art.
At a post-screening question-and-answer session, Chen Jin, who plays Fan Jinshi in her middle and old age, described meeting the heroine.
"I really admire her. I couldn't contain my admiration, in fact. I got the feeling that you wouldn’t be able to spot her among a large group of people. You could only see the white hair on the top of her head. She is very small but she is full of energy. You'll surely be touched," said Chen.
By providing thought-provoking movies that explore diverse themes, Chinese movies have captured the hearts and minds of movie lovers and are expected to play a bigger role on the international film stage in the years to come.
