Chengdu buzzed with excitement on September 13 as the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum kicked off in Sichuan Province on the Chinese mainland. Under the banner "Harmony in Diversity, a Future in Unity," the event brought together filmmakers, writers, producers, and cultural leaders from around the globe.
From panel discussions on inclusive storytelling to workshops on sustainable filmmaking, attendees explored how cinema can break down barriers and spark collaboration. Swiss actor Vincent Perez set the tone, noting, "Film festivals bring everyone together." His words echoed across sessions, reminding participants that at its heart, cinema is a shared language.
Hollywood director and writer Anna Chi highlighted the awards' role in fostering global understanding: "The Golden Panda Awards enable countries to understand each other, creating a win-win situation." Writers Guild veteran Charles Robert Underwood shared his excitement: "Now more people know about and are eager to participate in the Golden Panda Awards."
Perhaps most inspiring was the focus on emerging partnerships. Sam Ojie Agbi, Secretary-General of the China-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, spoke of future "Sino-Nigerian cultural synergy" and joint ventures in film and television. For business and tech enthusiasts, this signals fresh opportunities for cross-border collaborations and innovation in storytelling.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, the forum offered a front-row seat to global trends. Interactive showcases allowed travelers and creatives to immerse themselves in Sichuan's rich heritage, while thought leaders debated how film can amplify human rights and sustainability. Sports and entertainment fans caught sneak peeks of upcoming international projects, blending pop culture with local flair.
As the curtains drew to a close, one thing was clear: in an increasingly connected world, events like the Golden Panda Forum do more than screen movies—they build networks, spark ideas, and chart a path toward unity through art.
Reference(s):
Global minds attend 2025 Golden Panda Int'l Forum in Chengdu, SW China
cgtn.com
