Inside the 16th Beijing International Film Festival

This episode of Round Table China dives into the 16th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), highlighting its record-breaking scale, international reach, and immersive cultural experience. Host Niu Helen is joined by Aishun and Steve Hatherly to explore the festival’s theme, 'Tian Tan reflects hundred flowers, lights shine over the capital,' and its historic fusion with the Hundred Flowers Film Awards—the first time the two major Chinese film events have coincided. The episode details the Tiantan Award competition, featuring 16 shortlisted films from 139 countries, a star-studded international jury led by legendary French actress Juliette Binoche, and new categories like AIGC short videos. Beyond screenings, the festival offers a wide array of public activities—from outdoor movie nights and themed travel routes tied to nominated films, to masterclasses by icons like Richard Curtis and Anh-Hung, and forums on AI’s evolving role in filmmaking. The hosts reflect on how cinema continues to inspire travel, connection, and collective joy, especially as audiences seek deeper human experiences in an increasingly digital world. Steve recommends the Vietnamese film *Ki Nam In*, set in Saigon and shot on 35mm film for its rich, nostalgic aesthetic, while Aishun highlights *All the Good Eyes*, a Shenyang-set drama tied to the director’s hometown and the city’s cultural landmarks. The episode concludes with a celebration of cinema as both art and communal ritual.