Set against the backdrop of Beijing, a cultural hub in the Chinese mainland, the 15th Beijing International Film Festival rolled out its signature red carpet this week, welcoming filmmakers and fans from around the globe.
This year’s theme? A heartfelt homage to iconic silverscreen characters—from Charlie Chaplin’s lovable tramp in "Modern Times" to Maggie Cheung’s nuanced performance in "In the Mood for Love." Onlookers and cinephiles alike paused to appreciate how these legends shaped storytelling across generations.
CGTN’s Julian Waghann hit the red carpet, chatting with actors who channeled their screen heroes. Many highlighted the timeless power of authentic emotion, noting that even as AI-driven effects and mini-screens transform filmmaking, character-driven narratives remain the beating heart of cinema.
Behind the stars, directors and emerging talents revealed their visions for the future. They see AI as both a creative partner and a challenge—sparking new techniques in visual effects while prompting fresh debates on authorship and the role of human intuition.
Early festival reports highlighted a surge in AI-focused panels and workshops compared to previous years, underscoring how technology is reshaping production, distribution and audience engagement across G20 markets.
As the red carpet events wrapped up, one thing was clear: while screens may shrink and algorithms grow smarter, the art of storytelling—rooted in empathy, culture and shared experience—continues to guide filmmakers on a global stage.
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15th Beijing International Film Festival red carpet interview
cgtn.com
