The 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place from June 13 to 22, is shining a spotlight on German cinema. A robust selection of German films is tailored for audiences in the Chinese mainland, showcasing the depth and diversity of Germany's storytelling landscape.
Simone Baumann, managing director of German Films (the national agency promoting German cinema worldwide since 1954), sat down with CGTN. Baumann discussed this year's highlights at the festival and spoke about cinema's ongoing role as a cultural bridge between Germany and the Chinese mainland.
For over 70 years, German Films has championed Germany's filmmakers on the global stage. This year's presence in Shanghai underlines its mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue through storytelling, offering viewers a window into German art, history, and innovation.
Reflecting on the program, Baumann emphasized that each film serves as a conversation starter, inviting audiences in the Chinese mainland to explore universal themes: from identity and memory to hope and resilience. It's a testament to cinema's power to connect people across languages and borders.
As SIFF 2025 unfolds, the German slate promises to spark dialogue, inspire future collaborations, and deepen the cultural ties between Germany and the Chinese mainland. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and change-makers alike, these cinematic experiences highlight how storytelling can unite diverse communities and fuel new perspectives.
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Managing director of German Films highlights cinematic ties with China
cgtn.com
