A cinematic journey through Pingyao: Celebrating the 8th edition of the international film festival
The Pingyao International Film Festival is back for its 8th edition, running from September 24 to 30. This boutique festival has become a beacon for cinema enthusiasts, showcasing a blend of classic and contemporary films that span across various genres and cultures. This year, the festival promises to be a cinematic feast, with a lineup that includes restored classics, world premieres, and a diverse selection of international films.
Opening night: A river without tears
The festival will kick off with the world premiere of Liu Juan’s “A River Without Tears”. This film sets the tone for the festival, promising a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that will resonate with audiences. The opening night is always a highlight, and this year is no exception, with a film that delves deep into human emotions and experiences.
Hidden Dragons: A showcase of Chinese cinema
The Hidden Dragons section is dedicated to Chinese-made films, offering a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. This year’s selection includes:
- “Hello, Spring” by Ma Lanhua (Asian premiere)
- “Stars and the Moon” by Tang Yongkan (Asian premiere)
- “Village Music” by Wang Lina (world premiere)
- “A Song River” by Zhu Xin (world premiere)
- “Karst” by Yang Suiyi (world premiere)
- “Chinatown Cha-Cha” by Luka Yang Yuanyuan (world premiere)
- “Floating Clouds Obscure the Sun” by Shen Tao (world premiere)
- “True Love, For Once in My Life” by Siu Koon-ho (world premiere)
- “Reflections in the Lake” by Zhai Yixiang (world premiere)
- “Betwixt and Between” by Zhou Quan (world premiere)
- “Green Wave” by Xu Lei (world premiere)
These films offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and storytelling, each bringing a unique perspective and voice to the screen.
Crouching Tigers: International gems
The Crouching Tigers section is where the festival truly shines, bringing together a diverse array of international films. This year’s lineup includes:
- “Savanna and the Mountain” by Paula Carneiro from Uruguay
- “Universal Language” by Matthew Rankin
- “Good One” by India Donaldson
- “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed” by Hernan Rosselli
- “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” by Tyler Taormina
- “Sujo” by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez
- “The Story of Souleymane” by Boris Lojkine
- “I Saw Three Black Lights” by Santiago Lozano Alvarez
- “My Summer With Irene” by Carlo Sironi
- “The Sparrow in the Chimney” by Ramon Zuercher
- “Happyend” by Neo Sora
These films represent a wide range of genres and styles, offering something for every cinema lover. From heartwarming tales to gripping dramas, the Crouching Tigers section is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Gala screenings: Celebrating cinematic excellence
The Gala screenings are always a highlight of the festival, featuring some of the most anticipated films of the year. This year’s selection includes:
- “Crossing Years” by Yonfan (documentary)
- “Visiting Hours” by Patricia Mazuy
- “The Damned” by Roberto Minervini
- “The Other Way Around” by Jonas Trueba
- “Black Box Diaries” by Shiori Ito (documentary)
- “There’s Still Tomorrow” by Paola Cortellesi
- “My Sunshine” by Okuyama Hiroshi
These films are a celebration of cinematic excellence, each offering a unique and compelling narrative that will captivate audiences.
Retrospective section: A journey through film history
The retrospective section is a journey through film history, featuring some of the most iconic films from around the world. This year’s selection includes:
- “Pelle the Conqueror” by Bille August (1987)
- “The Tree of Wooden Clogs” by Ermanno Olmi (1978)
- “Pather Panchali” by Satyajit Ray (1955)
- “And Life Goes On” by Abbas Kiarostami (1992)
These films are a testament to the enduring power of cinema, each offering a unique glimpse into different cultures and eras.
Personal reflections: A festival for the soul
As a cinema enthusiast, the Pingyao International Film Festival is a treasure trove of cinematic gems. The festival’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone, from thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming tales. Each film is a journey, offering a unique perspective and voice that resonates long after the credits roll.
For those who love to explore new cultures and stories, the festival is a must-attend event. The Hidden Dragons section offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese cinema, while the Crouching Tigers section brings together a diverse array of international films. The Gala screenings and retrospective section are a celebration of cinematic excellence, offering a journey through film history that is both enlightening and inspiring.
In a world where cinema is constantly evolving, the Pingyao International Film Festival is a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. It is a celebration of the art of cinema, a journey through different cultures and eras, and a testament to the power of film to connect us all.
For more information and to watch trailers of the mentioned films, visit the following links:
- A River Without Tears
- Hello, Spring
- Stars and the Moon
- Village Music
- A Song River
- Karst
- Chinatown Cha-Cha
- Floating Clouds Obscure the Sun
- True Love, For Once in My Life
- Reflections in the Lake
- Betwixt and Between
- Green Wave
- Savanna and the Mountain
- Universal Language
- Good One
- Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed
- Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point
- Sujo
- The Story of Souleymane
- I Saw Three Black Lights
- My Summer With Irene
- The Sparrow in the Chimney
- Happyend
- Crossing Years
- Visiting Hours
- The Damned
- The Other Way Around
- Black Box Diaries
- There’s Still Tomorrow
- My Sunshine
- Pelle the Conqueror
- The Tree of Wooden Clogs
- Pather Panchali
- And Life Goes On
Dive into the world of cinema and let the Pingyao International Film Festival take you on a journey you won’t forget.