Venice Film Festival welcomes stronger presence of Chinese films

VENICE -- The Venice Film Festival welcomes a stronger presence of Chinese cinema, recognizing its important role on the international stage, and the festival endeavors to serve as a platform for global cinematic dialogue, festival director Alberto Barbera has said.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Barbera said this year's festival features a large number of Chinese films across various sections. "This marks a comeback of Chinese cinema on the international level, which is very positive," he said.

Chinese actress Xin Zhilei won the Best Actress award for her role in The Sun Rises on Us All, becoming the third Chinese-language actress to earn the honor after Gong Li in 1992 and Deanie lp in 2011.

Barbera observed that Chinese films have been less visible at Western festivals in recent years because many filmmakers were focused on domestically oriented productions.

He said that Chinese films have been an important international player since the 1980s. "Later, we also welcomed new talents and emerging voices from China," he said, adding that filmmakers worldwide are eager for China's continued participation.

According to Barbera, the Chinese film industry is experiencing "dual prosperity." On one hand, its productions are achieving strong box office results worldwide; on the other hand, art films with distinctive personal styles are flourishing.

"Chinese directors are mature and talented. They tell stories rooted in their country and culture, which Western audiences are most interested in. By watching Chinese films, we gain a better understanding of this important country," he said.

Turning to broader trends, Barbera pointed out that mainstream film industries, including that of the United States, are undergoing a difficult transition as studio productions struggle due to a lack of genuine innovation and shifting audience habits.

With the rise of streaming platforms, more viewers prefer to watch films at home. "We must attract audiences back to cinemas with high-quality works - not only commercial hits but also films with true artistic and emotional power," he noted.

Barbera underlined that the Venice Film Festival is more than a showcase. With films from 65 countries and regions being screened this year, it provides "an open public space" that seeks "to build bridges between countries and cultures."

The festival continues to encourage new voices, new talents, and new films. The director cited The Voice of Hind Rajab, which won the Grand Jury Prize, as an example of a work that sheds light on the plight of individuals in the Gaza conflict.

Barbera stressed that the festival's stance was clear: "We did not issue a political statement, but we provided space for everyone who wanted to take a position against this war. We stand with the huge number of innocent people killed during the conflicts, which must stop immediately."