Pingyao Festival Unveils 10th Edition Lineup with Fei Mu Restoration and New International Selections

Pingyao Festival Announces 10th Edition Lineup

The 10th edition of the Pingyao International Film Festival will run from September 24 to September 30 in the historic city of Pingyao, Shanxi province. Founded by acclaimed director Jia Zhangke, the festival has grown into a major platform for Asian and world cinema. This year’s program blends restored classics with contemporary works from celebrated directors.

Opening Film: A 4K Restoration of Fei Mu’s Masterpiece

The anniversary opening screens a newly restored 4K version of Fei Mu’s 1948 drama Spring in a Small Town. The film, often cited as a pinnacle of Chinese cinema, explores love and duty in post‑war China. The restoration was undertaken by the China Film Archive and brings unprecedented visual clarity to the black‑and‑white classic. Fei Mu is widely regarded as a master of lyrical storytelling, and this revival underscores the festival’s commitment to preservation.

Closing Film: Hong Kong Dramedy "Good Trip"

Closing the festival is the Hong Kong‑produced dramedy Good Trip. The film follows a group of friends on a chaotic road journey, blending humor with social commentary. Its selection highlights the festival’s focus on contemporary Asian voices and the region’s dynamic film landscape.

International Competition Highlights

The competition slate features a mix of emerging talent and established auteurs. Notable entries include:

Cristian Mungiu – Romanian director known for his Palme d’Or winning 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. His new work, Rivers of Time, examines memory and identity in a post‑communist setting.
James Gray – American filmmaker celebrated for character‑driven narratives such as The Lost City of Z. His latest film, Midnight Sun, explores a family’s struggle after a sudden loss.
A debut feature from Chinese filmmaker Li Wei, Silent Streets, a gritty portrait of migrant workers in a northern factory town.
South Korean thriller Echoes of the Past by director Park Hae‑jin, blending genre conventions with social critique.

These selections reflect the festival’s dedication to showcasing diverse storytelling across continents.

Restoration and Retrospective Programs

Beyond the competition, Pingyao presents a robust retrospective series. In addition to the Fei Mu restoration, the program includes:

A 4K restoration of Japanese silent era classic Ugetsu by Kenji Mizoguchi.
A curated selection of early works by Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
A tribute to Soviet cinema featuring Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin.

These efforts highlight the festival’s role as a guardian of film heritage. The restoration work is supported by the Shanghai Film Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving Asian cinematic history.

Special Sections and Industry Events

Pingyao’s program also includes:

New Horizons – a showcase for experimental and avant‑garde works from emerging artists.
Women in Film – a spotlight on female directors from Asia and beyond, featuring panels and Q&A sessions.
Industry Forum – a series of roundtables on co‑production, distribution, and digital streaming, co‑hosted by the China Film Bureau.

These sections provide networking opportunities for filmmakers, producers, and distributors seeking to expand their reach in the Asian market.

Festival Context and Cultural Significance

Since its inception in 2015, Pingyao has positioned itself as a bridge between Chinese cinema and the global film community. The city’s well‑preserved Ming‑dynasty architecture offers a unique backdrop that blends cultural heritage with modern artistic expression. The festival’s growth mirrors China’s broader ambition to promote cultural soft power through cinema.

Audience Reception and Ticket Information

Tickets for the festival are sold online and at local box offices. Early‑bird pricing includes a full‑access pass to all screenings, workshops, and special events. The festival expects a record attendance, with local residents and international visitors filling the historic streets during the week‑long event.

How to Follow the Festival

Live streams of select screenings and panel discussions will be available on the official festival website. Updates are also posted on the festival’s verified social media channels. For the latest schedule, visit the official Pingyao International Film Festival site.

The 10th edition promises a rich blend of restored classics, bold new voices, and industry insight, reaffirming Pingyao’s status as a key destination for film lovers and professionals alike.