Forum set to boost international cinema cooperation at Cannes

A delegation from the China Film Association attended the 78th Cannes Film Festival and hosted a series of events to promote Chinese cinema overseas and boost international cooperation.

A roundtable forum on Chinese cinema and its global opportunities was highlighted at the event. Discussions covered various topics, from the Chinese film industry's industrialization to the role of artificial intelligence in storytelling and cross-border co-production strategies.

Deng Guanghui, executive president of the CFA, said this year marks Chinese cinema's 120th anniversary. "From technological innovations in film to profound cultural expression, Chinese cinema has traversed a magnificent journey. Chinese films possess an enduring drive for originality, and the country also boasts a super-sized film market that provides a vast stage for global cinema," he said.

Cedric Behrel, co-founder of British distributor Trinity CineAsia, which handled the European release of Ne Zha 2, praised China for possessing the capability to produce tentpoles and drawing abundant creative inspiration from the country's rich history.

Director Chen Sicheng pointed out that the development of China's film industry requires fresh talent, expressing his hope of helping young creators integrate into a more industrialized system.

China hosted a booth at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing over 180 movies from more than 60 domestic companies. The China Golden Rooster and the Hundred Flowers Film Festival — which will host its 38th edition this year — was promoted at the booth, marking the first time for such an initiative, according to the CFA.