The ninth Pingyao Worldwide Movie Competition Opens

Pingyao, Shanxi – September 24, 2025 — The ninth Pingyao Worldwide Movie Competition (PYIFF) formally kicks off as we speak within the historic walled metropolis of Pingyao, bringing collectively acclaimed filmmakers, contemporary new voices, and excellent movies from across the globe.
Right this moment’s grand opening presents “Completely happy New Yr, Mr. Maud”, directed by Zhang Dalei, because the pageant’s opening movie. The closing movie and the much-anticipated “Pingyao Surprises” program add further pleasure. Thus far, three “Pingyao Surprises” have been revealed:

• “A Wild Time” by Bi Gan
• “The Solar Hangs Excessive” by Cai Shangjun
• “Close to the Finish” by Olivier Laxe

With the complete program and schedule to be launched shortly, the stage is ready for ten days of cinematic discovery, cultural dialogue, and unforgettable screenings in one among China’s most storied cultural landmarks.
This yr’s submissions reached 534 movies worldwide, with ultimate alternatives spanning 25 international locations and areas, together with China, Nigeria, Iraq, Norway, Japan, Iran, Brazil, Singapore, and Bulgaria. This system highlights the pageant’s dedication to variety and worldwide imaginative and prescient.
The lineup options:

• 30% world premieres
• 65% Asian premieres
• 100% China premieres

This ensures Chinese language audiences take pleasure in a “zero time lag” expertise with the worldwide movie scene.
Rising administrators are within the highlight: 18 debut characteristic movies are included within the choice, with the Hidden Dragon Competitors alone that includes 8 directorial debuts amongst 11 entries. This displays PYIFF’s mission to champion younger filmmakers and nurture daring new inventive voices.