As the 13th BJIFF concludes with a dazzling red carpet and a spectacular finale, it celebrates both the rich tradition and the exciting future of cinema, solidifying the festival as a global success. This year's festival brought together filmmakers, actors, and industry experts from across the globe, honoring exceptional talent and visionary storytelling. With world premieres, prestigious awards, and over 1,500 films competing for the "Tiantan Award," the festival became a defining moment in the dynamic evolution of global cinema.

Photo and article by Ramil Santos

The Red Carpet of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) kicked off on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center in Huairou District, Beijing.

Over 200 Chinese and international guests, including renowned directors and actors, gathered to celebrate the art of filmmaking, reflect on cinematic history, express gratitude to audiences, and share hopes for the future of cinema.

Directed by Zhang Yimou and celebrated narrative and documentary filmmaker Lu Chuan, the official film of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Games, Beijing 2022, served as the festival's opening film and world premiere.

BJIFF has cemented its place as one of Asia’s leading film festivals, showcasing the best of world cinema. The  festival's main highlight, the "Tiantan Award," was accompanied by screenings, forums and a market dedicated to the film industry.

The festival spanned nine sections, including a feature competition, and presented a diverse lineup of 160 films. Renowned director Zhang Yimou led the jury in selecting the winners of the prestigious "Tiantan Award."

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, more than 100 famous personalities from China and abroad attended the closing ceremony, where ten prestigious "Tiantan Award" were announced.

The festival attracted nearly 1,500 films from 93 countries and regions to compete for the "Tiantan Award,"  becoming a carnival for movie fans. More than 180 films were screened in 27 theaters. 

Several prominent filmakers served as judges, including world-renowned director Zhang Yimou, President Fernando E. Juan Lima of the Mar del Plata International Film Festival, Hong Kong director Stanley Kwan, Israeli director Nadav Lapid, Thai director Pimpaka Towira, Chinese actor Zhang Songwen, and Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu.