Pingyao Film Festival Celebrates Cinema with Awards and Performances
The ninth Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival commenced on September 26, 2023, in the historic walled city of Pingyao, Shanxi province. This year’s festival opened with a tribute to the region’s rich cinematic heritage, featuring live music, dance performances, and the presentation of the prestigious East-West Award to renowned director Feng Xiaogang.
Held at the Platform open-air theatre, which boasts a capacity of 1,500 seats and is named after Jia Zhangke’s 2000 film, the evening began with a vibrant performance by indie band Orange Ocean. Their song “Summer Cozy Rock” set a lively tone for the event. A montage showcased significant films set in Shanxi, including Zhang Yimou’s acclaimed “Raise the Red Lantern” and Jia’s own “Platform” and “Ash Is Purest White.” The cultural program also featured a stylized dance inspired by ancient sacrificial rituals, adding depth to the evening’s festivities.
Festival founder Jia Zhangke welcomed attendees and highlighted the impressive lineup of 53 films from 20 territories, with 30% featuring as world premieres and 62% as Asian premieres. A special section titled “People Will Triumph” was dedicated to films portraying the Chinese resistance during World War II, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to showcasing significant historical narratives.
The Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon East-West Award recognizes contributions to both cinema and the development of East-West film culture. This year, the award was presented in two parts. The first recipient, Nogami Teruyo, a distinguished 98-year-old Japanese producer and script supervisor, received the career recognition award for her extensive collaboration with Kurosawa Akira on classics such as “Rashomon” and “Ran.” Although unable to attend, Nogami expressed her gratitude through a letter that was read aloud during the ceremony.
The award was also conferred upon Feng Xiaogang, acknowledged for his significant contributions to Chinese cinema across various genres, including comedy, drama, and historical epics. The trophy was presented by Liu Zhenyun, a prominent writer-producer, and director Guan Hu. Feng received a standing ovation, thanking the audience and stating, “Making films is a long road that requires persistence. I will continue my creative journey.”
Actress Yao Chen, serving on the jury for the Rossellini Honor Award, shared her excitement about returning to Pingyao, expressing her hope to connect with emerging directors. “The last time I came to Pingyao was as an actress; this time, I’m here as a jury member. Next time, I hope I can come purely as a tourist,” she remarked, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering creativity and collaboration.
In a vibrant musical highlight, pop singer Wu Mochou performed the theme from “The Banquet,” adding a contemporary touch to the otherwise auteur-driven evening. The night also included a preview of Bi Gan’s “Resurrection,” which stars Jackson Yee, Shu Qi, and Zhao Youting. The film, which premiered earlier this year at Cannes, is set for its China launch at Pingyao.
With its blend of historical significance, star power, and international appeal, the Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival continues to reinforce its ambition as a vital bridge between Chinese cinema and the global independent film community.
