Pingyao Film Festival Unveils 10th Anniversary Program, Opening with Restored Classic
The 10th Pingyao International Film Festival announced its full lineup, featuring a 4K restoration of Fei Mu's 1948 film "Spring in a Small Town" as the opener. The event, founded by Jia Zhangke, runs from Sept. 24-30 and includes works by Cristian Mungiu and James Gray. Hong Kong dramedy "Good Trip" will close the festival.
The anniversary edition celebrates a decade of the festival Jia Zhangke established in Shanxi province, cementing its role as a showcase for both heritage cinema and contemporary global filmmaking. The opening night presentation of Fei Mu's 1948 masterpiece in 4K restoration highlights the festival's commitment to preserving Chinese cinematic history.
The program also features new works from acclaimed directors Cristian Mungiu and James Gray, alongside the mainland China premiere of "Good Trip," a Hong Kong dramedy from directors Norris Wong Yee Lam and Hoi Wong. The seven-day event, running Sept. 24-30, balances classic restoration with emerging and established voices from across the international film landscape.
The festival's tenth edition may reinforce Pingyao's growing reputation as a cultural destination, potentially boosting local tourism and regional arts engagement. By pairing restored classics with contemporary international cinema, it could strengthen cross-cultural film appreciation in China and provide a platform for independent voices. The event may also influence how smaller cities leverage cultural programming for economic and social revitalization, though its broader reach depends on continued audience and industry participation.