(Photo: Beijing Culture Forum)
A special film concert celebrating over a century of cinematic ties between China and France was staged in Beijing on September 22, launching a series of cultural exchanges under the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum.
The event brought together Chinese and French filmmakers, actors, and cultural leaders, weaving film clips with live orchestral music to highlight milestones in the two countries' shared cinematic journey.
The evening featured music from Sino-French co-productions such as Wolf Totem (2015) and The Magic of the Kite (1958), as well as rare footage of China shot by French filmmakers at the turn of the 20th century. Classic Chinese silent films, including Dingjun Mountain (1905) and Romance of the Western Chamber (1927), were also showcased.
(Photo: Beijing Culture Forum)
A symbolic exchange of gifts underscored the spirit of partnership: Carmen Chaplin, granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, presented a historic photograph of her grandfather with Peking opera master Mei Lanfang to Mei's great-grandson, who in turn gifted her a book about the opera icon.
(Photo: Beijing Culture Forum)
Organizers said the concert marked the opening of the "Sino-French Film Dialogue" series, which will continue with discussions, screenings, and exchanges involving French directors, Chinese scholars, and students in Beijing. The initiative coincides with the 130th anniversary of French cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema and aims to foster new collaborations as both countries look to the future of film.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion
