EU–China Film Festival 2025 · Brussels
The “Meet China” International Communication Unit of the 7th EU–China Film Festival was successfully held on October 18, 2025, at the China Cultural Center in Brussels.
The event gathered representatives from Chinese and European cultural institutions, filmmakers, academics, and media professionals, celebrating the power of visual storytelling in bridging cultures.
Awards and Recognition
During the ceremony, distinguished guests including Mr. Freddy Bozzo, Vice President and Co-Founder of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF), presented this year’s China–EU Light & Shadow Awards to outstanding youth and secondary-school filmmakers.
Among the attending awardees and institutions were:
- Best Director (Youth Section) – I Wanna Fly
- Best AI Short Film (Youth Section) – E-Spark
- Best Video Works for Secondary School Students – Zongzi, Spring Is Everywhere in Life, Growing Up with Chinese Egrets, Burning River
- Best Organization Award – Beijing Financial Street Runze School
Although not all award winners could be present, their works transcended distance — allowing audiences in Brussels to experience the creativity and sincerity of a new generation of Chinese storytellers.
Dialogue and Exchange
Following the award ceremony, an in-depth dialogue titled “Seeing Each Other through Images” was held, featuring Gilles Thompson, French film director, and Thomas Kuchera, German visual artist.
Their conversation explored how cinematic language builds understanding across cultures, and how young filmmakers can express authenticity and empathy in a global context.
The dialogue was joined by students and creative representatives from Chinese and European institutions, highlighting how film continues to serve as a shared language between generations and societies.
Beyond the Screen: Education and Future Collaboration
The Meet China unit is not only a showcase of visual works, but also a platform for long-term educational collaboration.
Through this initiative, the EU–China Film Festival continues to promote cross-cultural understanding and practical cooperation between Chinese and European film institutions.
Building on this momentum, the Festival will soon launch the Youth Film Experience & Practice Program at the China Film Group’s Huairou Film Base, providing young students with hands-on learning in filmmaking, storytelling, and cross-media communication.
The program aims to encourage the next generation to discover the world through film — and to let the world see them through their stories.
About “Meet China”
Initiated in 2021, the Meet China International Communication Unit focuses on showcasing high-quality short films, documentaries, and creative works that reflect China’s contemporary image, cultural diversity, and people-to-people stories.
Each year, it brings together creators, educators, and institutions from China and Europe to foster dialogue and innovation in global communication.
