On the evening of October 18, the 2024 Youth Film Week (Zhejiang) officially kicked off at M511 Light and Shadow Hub in Hangzhou. Running from now until October 27, twenty films from both domestic and international creators will be showcased across seven cinemas in the city, inviting film enthusiasts to partake in a cinematic journey.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. In recent years, the two countries have fostered cultural exchanges through a variety of events, including cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and film weeks, solidifying the bridge of friendship between them. In May, China’s National Film Administration and Hungary’s Prime Minister’s Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in the film sector.
The 2024 Youth Film Week (Zhejiang) will feature three significant Hungarian films: “The Turin Horse,” “Tangerines,” and “Son of Saul.” “We have carefully selected important films from Hungarian cinema history to showcase in the beautiful city of Hangzhou,” said Nicolette, a representative from the Hungarian Consulate in Shanghai. She expressed hope that this film week would provide Chinese audiences with a deeper understanding of Hungarian filmmaking styles.
The opening event also featured a musical performance by Nicolette, cellist Gábor Nagy, and pianist Wang Yibing, who presented a stunning rendition of the Hungarian folk song “Csillago, csillagok” alongside popular Chinese songs like “Me and My Motherland” and “The Red Flower Blooms.” This performance transcended borders, creating a rich cultural experience.
Notably, the M511 Light and Shadow Hub, where the ceremony took place, was formerly a film warehouse for Zhejiang Film Company. “This venue has witnessed the glory and dreams of Zhejiang cinema over the past 70 years and carries the mission of establishing a new benchmark for urban cultural tourism integration,” said Fu Liwen, Deputy General Manager of Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group.
Since its opening on October 1, M511 Light and Shadow Hub has quickly captured the attention of residents through its immersive 8K projection experience, “Deep Space Future,” a key VR project for the China-France Cultural Year titled “Eternal Notre-Dame,” and the environmental musical drama showcasing local elements, “No One in Tea.”
Following the opening ceremony, attendees enjoyed a screening of “Son of Saul,” which has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
