BJIFF 2025 introduces 'Diplomat Filmfest' aimed at promoting cultural exchange
Nearly 400 attendees, comprising diplomats, filmmakers, and officials from both China and abroad, participated in the opening ceremony of the "Diplomat Filmfest" at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on Friday. The event celebrated cinema as a means of fostering global dialogue.
TroibNews 
The opening ceremony of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival's "Diplomat Filmfest" took place in Beijing on Friday, attracting nearly 400 attendees, including diplomats, filmmakers, and officials from both China and abroad. The event celebrated cinema as a medium for fostering global dialogue.
During his opening remarks, Chen Li, deputy director general of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, highlighted the important role of films in diplomacy, stating, "Today, cultural exchange requires mutual effort more than ever." He expressed hope that the "Diplomat Filmfest" would further enhance cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Branko Bulatović, the ambassador of Montenegro to China, supported this view, noting that an excellent film serves as a bridge connecting different cultures, eras, periods, and beliefs.
A significant development at the festival was the establishment of the International Film Critics Committee under the China Film Critics Association, which aims to encourage dialogue among global critics and promote Chinese cinema on the international stage.
Additionally, the Diplomat Filmfest Support System was unveiled, providing the diplomatic community in China with access to more than 1,000 films across various genres, including features, documentaries, and animations.
A special screening of the documentary "Panda Adventure," which chronicles the lives of six giant pandas from birth to retirement, captivated audiences—particularly children—through its heartwarming narrative.
The event also featured an exhibition titled "Modern Chengdu Through the Lens," highlighting the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of the 4,500-year-old city.
The "Diplomat Filmfest" continues to act as a crucial platform for cross-cultural engagement, utilizing the art of film to enhance mutual understanding. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to broaden its efforts to cater to the cultural needs of the global diplomatic community, promoting mutual appreciation through the universal language of cinema.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
During his opening remarks, Chen Li, deputy director general of the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, highlighted the important role of films in diplomacy, stating, "Today, cultural exchange requires mutual effort more than ever." He expressed hope that the "Diplomat Filmfest" would further enhance cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
Branko Bulatović, the ambassador of Montenegro to China, supported this view, noting that an excellent film serves as a bridge connecting different cultures, eras, periods, and beliefs.
A significant development at the festival was the establishment of the International Film Critics Committee under the China Film Critics Association, which aims to encourage dialogue among global critics and promote Chinese cinema on the international stage.
Additionally, the Diplomat Filmfest Support System was unveiled, providing the diplomatic community in China with access to more than 1,000 films across various genres, including features, documentaries, and animations.
A special screening of the documentary "Panda Adventure," which chronicles the lives of six giant pandas from birth to retirement, captivated audiences—particularly children—through its heartwarming narrative.
The event also featured an exhibition titled "Modern Chengdu Through the Lens," highlighting the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of the 4,500-year-old city.
The "Diplomat Filmfest" continues to act as a crucial platform for cross-cultural engagement, utilizing the art of film to enhance mutual understanding. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to broaden its efforts to cater to the cultural needs of the global diplomatic community, promoting mutual appreciation through the universal language of cinema.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
