AAs we draw closer to the end of the Beijing International Film Festival, which kicked off on April 18 and concludes on April 26, we’re taking an early look at some of the biggest titles featured in the festival’s offerings.
The Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) serves as a powerful platform for Chinese cinematic excellence. Its 15th anniversary coincides with the 130th birthday of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese filmmaking—a milestone celebration that promises to be a cultural landmark.
What we love about this year’s edition is its bold focus on homegrown Chinese talent. For example, the ReelFocus Fresh Blood Short Film Section is specifically designed to elevate emerging directors, providing a critical platform for new voices in Chinese cinema. This year’s festival isn’t just about screening films—it’s about cultural diplomacy and global representation, something we’re seeing increasingly with China and its culture thanks to social media.
To further celebrate Chinese art, here’s a quick look at three noteworthy Chinese films presented at BJIFF 2025, particularly those featured in the main competition lineup for the prestigious Tiantan Awards:
Trapped
Directed by newcomer Sagara, this thriller is set in a border town under siege by armed robbers. It features a tense confrontation between a lone police officer and a fugitive gang leader, blending action and suspense.
Better Me, Better You
Directed by Hao Ming and Li Peiran, this drama tells the story of Bai Liping, a caregiver escaping domestic abuse and forming a profound bond with an elderly woman in Beijing. It highlights women’s strength and resilience. Click here to watch the trailer.
Deep in the Mountains
Li Yongyi’s directorial debut is a quirky crime thriller with humor, set in the early 1990s. It follows a checkpoint officer investigating a series of murder-for-profit crimes in a small town.
Cover image via Far East Film Festival.
