This cross-border cultural showcase highlights Guangdong’s growing influence in the global film scene while deepening creative and emotional connections between Guangdong and Southeast Asia through the language of cinema. The film line-up features five distinctive titles: The Sun Rises on Us All, directed by Cai Shangjun, which garnered acclaim at the Venice Film Festival and earned Xin Zhilei the Volpi Cup for Best Actress; Crossing the Border – Zhaoguan by Huo Meng, whose deeply human storytelling has captivated international audiences, earning recognition at festivals such as Berlinale; White Snake, a cinematic reimagining of the beloved legend through the unique lens of Cantonese opera; Back to Love, a heartfelt Teochew family drama exploring generational bonds and diasporic roots; and Fall Into the Mortal World, an animated masterpiece that embodies Guangdong’s creative evolution and visual innovation.
The cultural ties between Guangdong and Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and Thailand, stretch back over half a century. Iconic productions such as Tan San & Ngo Nian, a Teochew opera film by Pearl River Film Studio, achieved immense popularity in both regions, establishing a lasting “Nanyang–Guangdong connection.” This film week aims to rekindle that legacy — using cinema as a bridge to foster artistic collaboration, evoke shared cultural memories, and celebrate the creative harmony that unites these regions.
Zhao Meng Fei, Director of the Guangdong Film & Television Service Platform and Deputy President & Secretary-General of the Guangzhou Film Association, shared that the 2025 Guangzhou Film Expo, scheduled for December in Guangzhou, seeks to strengthen international collaboration within the film industry. “Through this Chinese Film Week, we proudly present five outstanding Guangdong films — not only as a prelude to the upcoming Film Fair but also as a cinematic celebration for audiences across Southeast Asia,” he said.
Adding to the excitement, director Huo Meng will personally attend the screening of Crossing the Border – Zhaoguan and engage in an exclusive dialogue session with Malaysian audiences. All screenings will be held at GSC MyTOWN, Kuala Lumpur, with tickets available via GSC ticketing kiosks, GSC’s official website (gsc.com.my), and the GSC Mobile App.
This week-long celebration stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Guangdong and Southeast Asia — a shared journey of culture, creativity, and cinematic storytelling that continues to inspire across generations.