Ghent, Belgium’s third-largest city, is once again hosting the Made in China Festival, an annual celebration of Chinese cinema, literature, and culture. Now in its 6th edition, the festival runs from February 28 to March 30, bringing a rich selection of films, talks, and immersive experiences to the heart of the city.
One of the festival’s highlights is its film screenings at Sphinx Cinema, a beloved venue in Ghent’s city center. Adorned with Chinese film posters, the cinema transforms into a gateway to China, offering audiences a taste of the country’s diverse storytelling traditions.
From Wong Kar Wai’s visually stunning classic Chungking Express to Pema Tseden’s Snow Leopard—a gripping story from Tibet—the lineup showcases a wide range of narratives spanning China’s westernmost to southeastern regions. Festival-goers will also get an exclusive look at newly acclaimed films from major international film festivals, including Guan Hu’s Black Dog, a standout contender in this year’s festival circuit.
The Made in China Festival extends beyond the screen, offering a series of participatory events throughout the city. On March 30, the festival concludes with a day-long celebration featuring an authentic Chinese food feast. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes while engaging in live Dutch-language podcast discussions. Famous Chinese cultural figures including Liu Jiakun, the latest Pritzker Prize-winning architect and Ling Yu, a Newman Prize winner and poet are being analyzed and shared in these talks.
For a cutting-edge experience, festival attendees can step into the VR documentary The Real Thing, which offers a virtual journey through China’s urban landscapes, allowing audiences to explore the country’s architecture and city life—no passport required.
Beyond Ghent, Antwerp is also hosting a special exhibition showcasing the history of Chinese immigration to Belgium through family portraits. As Belgium remains one of the key destinations for Chinese immigrants in Europe, these cultural events serve as a bridge between local communities and Chinese heritage, offering a chance for both Belgians and Chinese residents to connect through shared stories and traditions even with a 7,636-kilometer distance afar.
All photos taken and provided to RADII courtesy of Yifei.
