Pingyao Film Festival Spotlights Chinese Cinema's Global Influence

The Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF), founded by acclaimed Chinese director Jia Zhangke, is celebrating its ninth edition this year as a key event for promoting Chinese cinema both at home and abroad. Held in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pingyao Ancient City, the festival has been hosting packed screenings of international films, including award-winners from recent festivals.

Jia, who launched his own distribution company Unknown Pleasures Pictures (UPP) in March 2025, says the festival aims to get more international films distributed in Chinese theaters. UPP has already acquired several acclaimed titles, including the Italian drama "There's Still Tomorrow" and Charlie Chaplin's classic "The Gold Rush," which celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special China premiere.

In addition to showcasing international cinema, PYIFF is focused on supporting Chinese arthouse filmmakers. Jia acknowledges that while Chinese arthouse films are able to secure theatrical distribution, the festival wants to help them achieve commercial success that matches their artistic merit. This year's Hidden Dragons section is screening 11 Chinese-language films, including several world premieres.

The festival also serves as a platform for emerging Chinese directors, with two sections dedicated to first, second, and third-time feature filmmakers. PYIFF invites international festival programmers and sales agents to support the distribution of Chinese cinema globally, further strengthening the festival's role in bridging East and West.