Qingdao is alive with cinematic energy as the SCO Film and TV Week takes center stage in the coastal city. Co-hosted by China Media Group and the Qingdao Municipal People's Government, the week-long event unites filmmakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and audiences from SCO member states under the theme In Qingdao, the world meets through light and shadow.
A Star-Studded Opening
The opening ceremony showcased live performances, a curated film lineup, and the launch of a global media campaign. SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev praised the festival’s role in strengthening artistic ties, while CMG highlighted its mission to bridge cultures through storytelling. The debut of Red Silk featured reflections on harmony in diversity by director Stanley Tong and Kazakh actress Adema Yerzhanova, followed by the premiere of Homeland, a documentary co-produced by the Chinese mainland and five Central Asian countries.
Qingdao on the Global Map
Recognized as a UNESCO City of Film, Qingdao opens its state-of-the-art Oriental Movie Metropolis to international creators. Highlights include Operation Hadal: Special Edition, China’s first nuclear-submarine feature, shot on elaborate local sets. Sun Hengqin, president of the movie metropolis, invited SCO filmmakers to explore Qingdao’s resources, emphasizing the city’s growing role in global cinema and film tourism.
Beyond the Screen
- On-demand access: 24 documentaries and 8 premium dramas on the CCTV Video app.
- Theatrical screenings: 29 acclaimed films at three Wanda Cinemas across Qingdao.
- Interactive experiences: outdoor screenings, cultural tours, and livestreamed salons.
- Global media campaign: short-form films by nine creators from Russia to India.
With delegates from the Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Russia in attendance, the festival blends online and offline programs, boosting the integration of film, tourism, and consumption. As cinemas light up and creators unite, Qingdao reaffirms its status as a global cinema hub where stories connect cultures and spark new collaborations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
