China’s biggest movie festival has changed in recent years. It used to be a place where Hollywood and European filmmakers made deals with China’s booming film industry. Now, it focuses more on Chinese films. This year, the Shanghai International Film Festival will showcase 25 movies in its main competition, with 10 of them made in China. There won’t be any films from the U.S. or South Korea.
The festival’s 2024 lineup includes some exciting Chinese films. One highlight is a new movie by Guan Hu called “A Man and a Woman.” It stars Huang Bo and Ni Ni as two strangers who end up stuck together in a Hong Kong hotel during the pandemic.
Another director to watch is Wei Shujun, known for his unique films. His latest, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” tells a story about a young man with special needs and his mother who gets sick.
There’s also buzz about a restored version of the first Chinese animated classic, “Princess Iron Fan,” shown in stunning 4K resolution. This film, based on a famous Chinese story, was made during World War II and laid the groundwork for Chinese animation.
Overall, the Shanghai International Film Festival is now a great place to see what’s new in Chinese cinema, with diverse films and talented directors from China taking the spotlight.