Kyrgyzstan’s ‘Black Red Yellow’ Wins Best Picture at Expanded 2025 Shanghai Film Festival

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival concluded with Kyrgyz film ‘Black Red Yellow’ winning Best Picture. Director Aktan Arym Kubat’s film was praised for its poignant storytelling. The Jury Grand Prix was shared by two films, while veteran actor Jose Martins won Best Actor. The festival also highlighted emerging trends like artificial intelligence in cinema and expanded its reach across Shanghai and neighboring cities.

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival recently wrapped up, showcasing a diverse group of filmmakers from around the globe. During the closing ceremony held at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, winners of the coveted Golden Goblet awards were announced, highlighting talents from places as varied as Kyrgyzstan and Portugal. Jury president Giuseppe Tornatore, known for his Oscar-winning film “Cinema Paradiso,” praised the festival’s eclectic mix, stating, “Each competition film was unique… and magnificent.”

The film “Black Red Yellow,” directed by Aktan Arym Kubat from Kyrgyzstan, took home the top award, celebrated by the jury for its poignant examination of marriage and life in rural society. Meanwhile, the Jury Grand Prix was awarded to two films: “On Summer Sand” by Japanese director Shinya Tamada, which follows a broken man’s rediscovery of hope during a family visit, and “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” from Chinese director Wang Tong, whose debut is touted as the emergence of a significant new voice in Chinese cinema.

Coming into the awards, many had their eyes on veteran actor Jose Martins, who ultimately won best actor for his role in the Portuguese-Brazilian film “The Scent of Things Remembered.” In this powerful performance, he portrays an aging racist dealing with the ghosts of his past. Tornatore’s leadership was well-received, as his film “Cinema Paradiso” was among 600 sold-out screenings at the festival.

Besides the winners in the main categories, domestic filmmakers also made an impression. Cao Baoping clinched best director honors for his comedy “One Wacky Summer,” while Qiu Sheng received the artistic achievement trophy for his AI-focused drama “My Father’s Son.” Newcomer Bian Zhou earned recognition in the Asia New Talent section for his historical epic “As the Water Flows,” which struck a chord with critics.

The festival held an impressive array of European offerings. Germany showcased notable entries, including the heartfelt “Luisa” by Julia Roesler, and the captivating “You Believe in Angels, Mr Drowak?” by Nicolas Steiner. Moreover, there were four side titles from Germany which drew attention, such as “In My Parents’ House” by Tim Ellrich.

A growing theme at this year’s festival was the prominence of artificial intelligence in cinema. Notably, a montage on opening night featured AI-enhanced imagery, even incorporating scenes from classic films like “E.T.” The highlight was the “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project,” aiming to revamp iconic films featuring Bruce Lee and others using AI technology. Hu Min, of the China Film Foundation, expressed aspirations that this project would catalyze development for a new ecological framework in Chinese action films.

Organizers aimed to broaden the festival’s impact, with screenings across about 40 cinemas and even outreach to five neighboring cities. In total, the festival showed around 400 films, allowing a wider audience to participate, as stubs from attended screenings could be exchanged for various perks like coffee cups and museum tours.

Efforts to engage closely with audiences were enhanced, like filmmaker Peter Chan visiting six screenings of his opening film “She’s Got No Name.” Chan noted the significance of Shanghai’s history in cinema, reflecting, “The feeling you get here now is that’s what’s happening again.” The festival’s ambition to resonate with its audience underscored the commitment to the cinematic arts in an evolving cultural landscape.

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival shone a light on diverse global cinema, showcasing talents from Kyrgyzstan to Portugal. With pregnancies towards modern storytelling through innovative frameworks like AI, the festival not only celebrated accomplished filmmakers but also emphasized its commitment to growing connections within its local community. As the festival wraps up, it marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the film industry, especially as it adapts to new technologies and broader audiences.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com