The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival opened on June 14 at the Shanghai Grand Theatre in Shanghai, Chinese mainland. Guided by the China Film Administration and co-hosted by China Media Group and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, the festival runs through June 22 with over 400 films from around the globe. This year's lineup also marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.
But for Mahya Mirsadeghi—an Iranian student at the University of Science and Technology Beijing—the event is more than a red carpet. Like many of her peers in Iran and beyond, Mahya learned Chinese to watch films and TV shows without subtitles. 'Enjoying stories in their original language brings me closer to the culture,' she explains.
Now, Mahya hopes to see China and Iran co-create movies that blend Persian poetry with Chinese folklore, celebrating both nations' rich traditions. 'Our shared history could inspire powerful narratives,' she says, envisioning a new wave of joint productions that speak to young audiences worldwide.
With screenings dotted across Shanghai—from downtown theaters to pop-up venues—travelers and digital nomads can turn the city into a live cinema playground. Mahya's vision highlights a broader trend: today's global youth aren't just consuming content—they're redefining how stories connect cultures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
