Silk Road International Film Festival casts light on Xi'an

The Tang Paradise in Xi'an was illuminated in magnificent lights on Sept 21, during the opening ceremony of the 11th Silk Road International Film Festival.

Numerous renowned filmmakers and other celebrities gathered to witness the grand opening of the festival. Together, they immersed themselves in a visual feast, experiencing the emerging power of Chinese cinema in the new era.

With the theme "Silk Road Connecting the World, Light and Shadow Illuminating Chang'an", the festival facilitates diverse cultural exchanges through forums, master dialogues, and various other film-related activities.

The festival attracted 2,065 films from 136 countries to compete for the Golden Silk Road Award, with 24 films nominated.

Covering nine major sections including the Uzbekistan-Samarkand Film Week and the 60th Anniversary of China-French Diplomatic Relations Special Screening, the film screening segment will present over 120 outstanding domestic and foreign films to audiences in 17 cinemas across Shaanxi province.

Online screenings will feature 154 films from 33 countries and regions, while 489 public screenings will be held in 12 local universities, 10 cities, and 113 community squares within the province.

Since its inaugural edition in Xi'an in 2014, the festival has evolved into a high-profile gathering for filmmakers from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.