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Members of the Tiantan Award International Jury Committee pose for photos at the opening ceremony of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, April 18, 2024. /CGTN

Members of the Tiantan Award International Jury Committee pose for photos at the opening ceremony of the 14th Beijing International Film Festival, April 18, 2024. /CGTN

A total of 15 movies from across the world are competing for the Tiantan Awards at the 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), which runs from April 18 to 26.

The festival, organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the government of Beijing, features nearly 100 events for film lovers, such as forums, roadshows and masterclasses.

The opening ceremony featuring a two-hour launch gala was held at the Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Huairou District.

Over 350 film professionals, including the seven Tiantan Award jury committee members, walked the red carpet on Thursday.

“Film is an artistic bond that connects our hearts,” said Yin Yong, mayor of Beijing and chairman of the festival’s organizing committee. “In 2023, Chinese movies witnessed a rebound.”

Shen Haixiong, president of CMG and chairman of the festival’s organizing committee, expressed his respect and best wishes to the movie industry at the ceremony.

Margareth Menezes, minister of culture of Brazil, also made a speech via video link during the ceremony. “The year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China,” she said. “We are bringing four films that portray part of our cultural and territorial diversity.”

Click here to watch the live rebroadcast of the launching ceremony and the gala.

The jury committee will select the winners of 10 awards based on their depth, artistry and public appeal. The winners will be announced at the festival’s closing ceremony.

The festival will also feature over 250 high-quality films in 27 movie theaters in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

Brazil is the guest country of this year’s festival. A dedicated event will be held to play Brazilian movies. Renowned director Carlos Saldanha is participating in the festival as a member of the jury committee for the Tiantan Awards.

Fan Yun, deputy editor-in-chief of CMG and vice chairman of the 14th BJIFF Organizing Committee, participated in the launch ceremony.

(Cover via CFP)

03:26

For the first time, Icelandic musician Doctor Victor meets Chinese singer-songwriter Nerissa Wang and guzheng artist Lucy Luan at the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy. The trio previously collaborated on the dynamic hit “Space Fantasia” for China’s Space Day in April 2023. Now, they gather to engage in a salon discussion with aspiring music students, sharing insights from their creative processes and behind-the-scenes stories of the song, embodying their shared passion for music.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the premiere of “The Yellow River Cantata,” coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. To commemorate this special occasion, a grand symphonic choral concert titled “Ode to the Motherland: Spirit of the Yellow River” has taken center stage at Tsinghua University. 

02:12

Composed by Xian Xinghai in 1939 during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, “The Yellow River Cantata” remains a timeless ode to patriotic heroism and resilience in the face of hardship. With its enduring artistic charm, this musical masterpiece has spread far and wide across the continents.

The glow of fireflies burns bright each year at the Tiantai Mountain scenic area in Qionglai, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dotting the night sky with mesmerizing light.

A recent update from local authorities revealed that the spot is about to welcome the peak period of this year’s first wave of fireflies in late April.

Photo: CFP

Photo: CFP

Tiantai Mountain is renowned as one of the world’s eight major firefly viewing spots and the largest of its kind in Asia. It boasts four main characteristics: a rich diversity of species, an abundance of fireflies, an extensive distribution, and prolonged viewing periods.

From April to October each year, about 17 species of fireflies take turns to soar through region from the foot of the mountain at an elevation of 800 meters and the spot at an elevation of about 1,200 meters. The Xiaojiawan “Firefly Valley” in the mountain area is the prime spot for firefly gazing in April. By mid-April, the forest there is adorned with a magnificent display of fireflies, resembling a dazzling galaxy.

A file photo shows a summer day in Tiantai Mountain scenic area in Qionglai, Sichuan Province. /IC

A file photo shows a summer day in Tiantai Mountain scenic area in Qionglai, Sichuan Province. /IC

To meet public needs of firefly viewing both during the day and at night, the scenic area has been preparing a firefly micro-museum, which is nearing completion and is expected to open to visitors in mid-to-late May. Inside the museum lies a darkroom meticulously designed to replicate the natural ambiance of a nighttime setting, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness the enchanting spectacle of fireflies illuminating the night sky.

Adding to the wonder, the museum also houses a nurturing room akin to a nursery. Here, staff cultivate fireflies, providing visitors with the chance to observe the various stages of their lifecycle.

A waterfall in summer is seen in a file photo of Tiantai Mountain scenic area in Qionglai, Sichuan Province. /IC

A waterfall in summer is seen in a file photo of Tiantai Mountain scenic area in Qionglai, Sichuan Province. /IC

For those who are planning to marvel at the mesmerizing fireflies at the scenic area, it’s advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, and use mosquito repellent sparingly as it can adversely affect the fireflies. In addition, remember to turn off all light sources, not catch the fireflies, embrace the tranquility of the night and refrain from making excessive noise, so as to allow everyone to savor the experience peacefully.

WATCH: Beer and opera boosting China-Croatia ties

02:43

Miroslav Šuvak makes beer in Croatia. Not just any beer – his brew has its own unique taste and texture. 

Šuvak started Nova Runda Craft Brewery in 2013. It soon made an impact, earning a solid reputation across the European Union. Business was good, but after a while, Šuvak started looking for other opportunities. He wanted to tap into the Chinese market – something few Croatian companies had managed to get right. 

“It was a challenge getting our beer into China,” says Šuvak. “You need to take into account that we are still a small company. There are only eight employees.” 

Big opportunity brewing

Nova Runda may be small, but Šuvak’s big idea is paying off – the brewery is now exporting beer to China. The orders aren’t massive, but Nova Runda has developed relationships in the Chinese market. Officials say they’re trying to build more of those relationships as quickly as possible. 

“As diplomats, we try to boost the amount of products that are imported by China,” says Qi Qianjin, China’s ambassador to Croatia. “We are now in negotiations to get Croatian products like tuna and honey to China.”

Miroslav Šuvak (right) founded his craft brewery in 2013. /Nova Runda

Miroslav Šuvak (right) founded his craft brewery in 2013. /Nova Runda

The culture of trade

Croatia’s relationship with China has been a little uneven over the last few years. The countries traded goods worth $2.5 billion in 2023, but Chinese exports accounted for the bulk of that. Croatia does export relatively large amounts of medicine and electrical appliances to China, but total exports came to just $85 million last year. 

Some Croatian companies say it’s difficult to sell goods to Chinese firms. China is hoping that more contact will improve ties, and that means contact at every level. The stars of the Hangzhou Opera performed in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, earlier this month. Director Cui Wei says the performers were keen to share a little piece of Chinese culture. 

“We hope that through the exchange of our traditional culture, we can bring our hearts closer,” says Wei. “We also hope that through such cultural exchanges, the two peoples can understand and integrate with each other.”

Nova Runda Craft Brewery is one of a handful of Croatian companies exporting to China. /Nova Runda

Nova Runda Craft Brewery is one of a handful of Croatian companies exporting to China. /Nova Runda

It may be a little early to toast a boom in China-Croatia trade. But Šuvak’s story suggests more deals could flow Croatia’s way. “We are not an industrial-scale producer of beer,” says Šuvak. “But yes, we still manged to get into the Chinese market.”

More exports to China may leave a very sweet taste in this part of the world – just like Šuvak’s rather special beer. 

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01:07

Every year on April 18th, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day for Monuments and Sites, a day dedicated to honoring the rich tapestry of human history and heritage. Beijing is a city steeped in centuries of culture and tradition, boasting many iconic monuments and World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Join Rachel in taking a look at these famous sites and appreciating these cultural heritages.