SCO Film and Television Week kicks off in Qingdao

　　Under the banner of "In Qingdao, the world meets through light and shadow," the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film and TV Week kicked off Friday in Qingdao, turning the coastal city into a vibrant hub of cross-cultural dialogue and cinematic celebration.

　　Co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Qingdao Municipal People's Government, with support from the China Film Administration, the week-long event brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, officials such as the SCO secretary-general, CMG executives, senior diplomatic and cultural representatives, as well as actors, new media creators, and audiences from across SCO member states to deepen cultural exchanges and explore collaborative opportunities in the film industry.

　　A star-studded opening 

　　The opening ceremony featured an array of highlights – from live performances and the unveiling of the screening lineup to introductions of the opening and featured films, the launch of a global media promotion campaign, and a showcase of Qingdao's booming film industry resources.

　　In a video address, SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev said the organization highly values cultural exchanges among its member states and praised the event's role in fostering deeper artistic collaboration. "The film and television week promises not only a cinematic feast for the senses," he said, "but also a valuable boost to friendship among SCO member states. I hope that the industry guests will take away meaningful exchanges and lasting memories."

　　Zhou Zhenhong, a member of CMG's editorial board, highlighted the SCO's rich cultural landscape, which has inspired countless cinematic creations. He emphasized CMG's commitment to using film and television as bridges and culture as a bond. He said the group strives to carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit," bring people closer together, and inspire greater understanding. By sharing stories that light up the world and warm hearts, CMG hopes to contribute to building a community with a shared future for humankind.

　　The creative team behind the opening film "Red Silk" shared insights into its production journey, joined by six filmmakers and actors – including Chinese director Stanley Tong and Kazakh actress Adema Yerzhanova – who reflected on the SCO ideals of "harmony in diversity." Focusing on the themes of "dialogue," "embracing," and "belief," they discussed how these values are woven into cinematic storytelling. The ceremony also premiered the cross-border documentary "Homeland," co-produced by China and five Central Asian countries, which explores enduring cultural and historical bonds across the region.

　　Qingdao on the global cinematic map 

　　As a UNESCO "City of Film," Qingdao is opening its doors to the world and contributing to global film and television creation. At the ceremony, the production team behind "Operation Hadal: Special Edition" – China's first nuclear-submarine-themed film – highlighted its upgraded technology, visuals, and storytelling. Shot on elaborate sets built at the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, the film exemplifies the "Qingdao imprint" in China's growing film industry.

　　Sun Hengqin, president of the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, invited filmmakers from SCO countries to collaborate in Qingdao. "We hope Qingdao becomes a place where creativity meets opportunity, and where cinematic dreams come to life," he said.

　　Nine new media creators from Russia, Nepal, Iran, Jordan, Turkey, Belarus, Zimbabwe, and India also launched the "Light and Shadow Qingdao" global media campaign. Through short videos, they will explore Qingdao's cinematic charm and share its vibrancy with audiences worldwide.

　　More than screenings 

　　This year's SCO Film and Television Week features a rich program that blends online and offline experiences. On the CCTV Video app, viewers can access 24 documentaries and eight premium TV dramas, while 29 acclaimed films from China and abroad are being screened at three Wanda Cinemas across Qingdao. Outdoor screenings and cultural tourism events further enrich the experience, boosting the integration of "film+ tourism+consumption."

　　A variety of creative initiatives are also helping promote cultural exchange. Highlights include the SCO Film Appointment, where Stanley Tong leads a behind-the-scenes tour of Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, and interactive livestreams such as Light and Shadow Salons and Fireside Talks, where Chinese filmmakers like Gu Changwei and Iranian producer Mahmoud Babaei shared their visions for high-quality development of the global film industry.

　　Fazeel Najeeb, ambassador of the Maldives to China, Gani Muratov, director of the Film Department under the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, and Oleg Brizat, cultural officer at the Russian Embassy in China, also attended the opening ceremony.