The cinematic world is abuzz with anticipation as Chengdu, situated in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, readies itself to host the grand gala of the first-ever Golden Panda Awards. This star-studded event promises to be a fusion of culture, artistry, and collaboration, with twenty-five coveted golden panda statuettes awaiting their winners.
A confluence of renowned actors, directors, producers, and jury members from across the globe has congregated in Chengdu, not just to witness the birth of this prestigious award, but also in the hope of fostering stronger bonds and collaborations within the international film community.
Andre Morgan, an illustrious figure from the US with an impressive filmography, recently shared his views while on a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Having been associated with several high-profile co-productions over nearly half a century, including hits like the Hong Kong film “Perhaps Love” with director Peter Chan, Morgan has a deep appreciation for international collaboration. To him, films and TV series act as bridges facilitating people-to-people exchanges. He fervently believes in the importance of understanding the customs, culture, and history of other nations, and sees initiatives like the Golden Panda Awards as platforms to champion such exchanges.
In a world dominated by diverse viewer preferences, Morgan emphasizes the responsibility of film stakeholders to research and understand their audiences. Highlighting Chengdu’s rich cultural tapestry, he believes the city’s unique history offers a fertile ground for co-productions.
Silvan Hillmann, a Swiss cinematographer whose work “Unrest” has reached the finals for Best Cinematography, echoes Morgan’s sentiments on collaboration. In his interactions, he consistently stressed the importance of dialogue and exchanges, highlighting how they serve to foster mutual understanding across borders.
Among the luminaries hoping to clinch a Golden Panda is Chinese actress Gong Zhe, nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Island Keeper.” Her portrayal of Wang Shihua, a woman who, along with her husband, dedicated her life to national coastal defense on the remote Kaishan Island, resonated deeply with audiences. Despite the island’s harsh conditions and modest size—comparable to two football fields—the couple’s commitment over three decades was unwavering. Gong attributes the international acclaim to the universal emotions of love, sacrifice, and patriotism embodied by the couple’s story.
Esteemed director Zhang Yimou, a previous recipient of awards like the Berlin Golden Bear Prize and Venice Golden Lion Prize and also the president of this year’s Golden Panda Awards jury, encapsulated the essence of the event. He believes that remarkable productions have the power to transcend borders and cultures. For Zhang, quality works of art act as bridges, fostering appreciation and inspiration across the globe.
Sponsored by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles in conjunction with the Sichuan Provincial Government, the Golden Panda Awards is poised to become a biennial spectacle, with Chengdu as its permanent home. Spanning categories such as film, TV series, documentaries, and animation, the award seeks to celebrate and encourage cinematic excellence from around the world.
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