Every June, the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) transforms the city into a global cinema hub, screening over 400 films that span genres, eras, and continents. In 2025, CGTN curates nine standout titles that capture cultural heritage, technical innovation, and the power of storytelling to bridge borders.
From Laotian documentaries to Italian Alps dramas, here's our pick of films you can't miss:
- The Guardian of Stories (Laos) – A poetic dive into cultural heritage, this documentary tracks local archivists racing to save age-old narratives.
- Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts (the Chinese mainland) – A dual-narrative thriller weaving criminal intrigue with deep family ethics.
- Black, Red, Yellow (Kyrgyzstan) – A vivid portrait of traditional carpet craftsmanship that threads history into each weave.
- Vermiglio (Italy, France, Belgium) – Set against the Alps' painterly vistas, this drama unpacks women's struggles with breathtaking visuals.
- Lesson Learned (Hungary) – A hard-hitting look at violence in education, selected for the Belt and Road Film Week.
- Son (Russia, Kazakhstan) – An animated short exploring the simple yet profound bonds of family.
- Nine Queens (Argentina) – A slick heist comedy packed with clever twists and playful charm.
- Edge of Time (the Chinese mainland) – A fantasy animation that pushes the boundaries of imagination and visual effects.
- Eraserhead (United States) – David Lynch's avant-garde debut, still shocking and surreal decades after its release.
Each film on this list breaks conventions if not in form, then in spirit—highlighting shared human struggles and triumphs. Whether you're a tech-savvy cinephile, a globe-trotting nomad, or a changemaker interested in cultural policy, these selections offer windows into worlds both familiar and new.
So grab your virtual ticket and step into SIFF's vibrant mosaic of voices. Beyond the dance of light and shadow, cinema invites us to connect, reflect, and feel the pulse of our shared humanity. Watch, debate, and be inspired.
Reference(s):
CGTN's film picks from the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival
cgtn.com
