BJIFF 2025 launches 'Diplomat Filmfest' to foster cultural exchange

　　Nearly 400 people, including diplomats, filmmakers and officials from China and abroad, attended the opening ceremony of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's (BJIFF) "Diplomat Filmfest" in Beijing on Friday to celebrate cinema as a bridge for global dialogue.

　　At the event, Yu Junsheng, deputy secretary general and deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, delivered a speech, announcing the official debut of the Diplomat Filmfest Support System, which offers access to over 1,000 films, including features, documentaries and animations, to diplomatic communities in China.

　　Chen Li, deputy director general of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, emphasized films' unique role in diplomacy, stating, "Today, cultural exchange requires mutual effort more than ever."

　　Chen hoped that cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world will be further promoted through "Diplomat Filmfest."

　　Branko Bulatović, ambassador of Montenegro to China, echoed this sentiment, saying that an excellent film is also a kind of bridge that connects cultures, eras, periods and beliefs.

　　Guan Hong, deputy general manager of Wuzhou Communication Media Co., Ltd., extended a warm welcome to diplomats from various countries, saying that the "Diplomat Filmfest" continues the positive interaction model among diplomats worldwide and upholds its mission as a friendly platform facilitating exchanges across diverse fields.

　　At the event, the International Film Critics Committee under the China Film Critics Association was established to foster dialogue among global critics and promote Chinese cinema worldwide.

　　There was also a special screening of the documentary "Panda Adventure," which follows the lives of six giant pandas from birth to retirement, delighting audiences – especially children – with its heartwarming storytelling.

　　The event also included an exhibition titled "Modern Chengdu Through the Lens," showcasing the 4,500-year-old city's blend of heritage and contemporary dynamism.

　　The "Diplomat Filmfest" continues to serve as a vital platform for cross-cultural engagement, leveraging the power of film to deepen mutual understanding.

　　Moving forward, the initiative will expand its efforts to meet the cultural needs of the global diplomatic community, fostering mutual appreciation through the universal language of cinema.