As the origin of the ancient Silk Road, the city of Xi'an is part of a revival of the rich Silk Road culture. As Chinese films have spanned over 100 years, the future of the industry will largely entail the re-creation of the Silk Road.
With the theme of "New Era, New Silk Road and New Vision," a total of 565 movies from 68 countries and regions will compete for this year's Golden Silk Road Media Awards and Trophies.
The fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative coincides with the film festival of the same name. The 2018 Silk Road Film Festival honors China Western Film Group's many hits, as well as international box office successes. For the first time, Kazakhstan, Romania and France are among the main guest countries.
Xie Fei, a well-known Chinese director and judge at this year's film festival, said he would use the event to introduce non-commercial, non-mainstream films to audiences worldwide.
Since the 1930s, many film festivals have been held around the world. This one introduces the history, culture and people of the countries along the Silk Road. This year, 137 Chinese and foreign films will play in the exhibition unit, covering 14 sections of thematic films, such as the Silk Road Premiere.
Moviegoers can partake in as many as eight international film forums. They'll cover documentary creation, film IP, science fiction and much more.
"When I got the invitation from Xi'an, I was thrilled to come back to China. I love the Chinese culture, and people are very friendly. I am pleased to have a chance to be a judge at this event," Marian Khatchvani, Georgian film director and media honor international juror, told CGTN.
The festival uses movies as a medium. They will build a cultural bridge connecting countries along the Silk Road, promote cultural exchange and increase cultural recognition, to boost the Belt and Road construction.
The fifth Silk Road International Film Festival will run from October 8 to 13.
