On October 11, the sixth China-EU Film Festival officially kicked off in Brussels, Belgium, the heart of the EU. This year, six Chinese films, including “Snow Leopard” and “The Legend of Gods,” are set to captivate European audiences, showcasing the nuances of Chinese society and emotional landscapes through the lens of cinema.
The opening ceremony took place in a renowned art cinema, where “Snow Leopard,” the last film by the late celebrated Tibetan director Pema Tseden, was screened. This film beautifully intertwines elements of Tibetan culture with themes of humanity’s relationship with nature and the blend of traditional living with modern civilization, offering viewers new insights into Tibetan heritage.
Following “Snow Leopard,” five additional films will be screened at the festival, including “The Legend of Gods,” “Together in the Sea of People,” “Fallen Dust,” “The Heart of Eating,” and “Umbilical Cord.” These films explore diverse themes such as societal changes in China, family dynamics, and traditional myths. Notably, “The Legend of Gods,” a prime example of Chinese fantasy cinema, will close the festival on the evening of October 13.
Founded in 2015, the China-EU Film Festival aims to bridge the cultural gap between European audiences and China, fostering collaboration and exchange. During the opening ceremony, Secretary General Yuan Mengqian expressed the hope that cinema—an art form transcending borders—will enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Europe, promoting ongoing cooperation in cultural and artistic fields.
Francis Damoiseaux, Chairman of the EU-China Youth Cultural and Artistic Development Committee, highlighted how the festival offers European viewers a broader perspective, deepening their understanding of China and sparking greater interest. Meanwhile, Bart d’Eyckermans, Chairman of the Royal Society of Arts in Belgium, emphasized that co-producing films serves as a more accessible bridge for cultural exchange compared to other art forms. He advocates for enhanced China-EU film collaboration, confident that such partnerships will yield exciting creative synergies.