The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival kicked off on June 13 with a press conference. Members of the jury for the festival's Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition gathered at the Crown Plaza Shanghai to meet the public, heralding the start of a cinematic spectacle in the city.

Running through June 22, the festival aligns with the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, showcasing the convergence and mutual learning between the Chinese and global film industries.

A remarkable surge in participation marked this year's event, with over 3,900 film submissions pouring in from 119 countries and regions, vying for the Golden Goblet Awards, setting a new record for SIFF.

Among the entries, 410 films will be screened at 43 cinemas throughout Shanghai during the festival, while 49 films from 28 countries and regions are shortlisted for the awards.

Leading the jury panel for the awards, which consists of 21 members from 13 countries and regions, is Italian director and screenwriter Giuseppe Tornatore, known for acclaimed works like Cinema Paradiso and The Legend of 1900. Joining him are esteemed industry professionals from China, India, Argentina, and Greece, among others, forming a diverse and experienced group of jurors.

During Friday's meeting with the public, the 69-year-old Italian director Tornatore said that although he has visited China multiple times, and been involved with SIFF in the past, this is the first time he has ever come to Shanghai.

"When I enter a cinema, when it gets all dark, and the projection begins, I am just a member of the audience," the Sicilian director told the media. "I want to devote myself to the experience, learn its content, and understand it, without being judgmental."

Another member of the jury, Chinese actor and director Huang Bo, said that diversity in the interest and preference of the jury will ensure that the competition can reach a result that is fair and just.

The competition spans five categories: Main Competition, Asian New Talent, Documentaries, Animation, and Short Films. Notably, among the 49 shortlisted films, 38 will be making their global premiere and eight their international premiere. Of the 12 films competing in the Main Competition, 11 will have their world premiere and one their international premiere.

The festival's commitment to showcasing a wide array of cinematic voices is evident in the inclusion of three Latin American films in the Main Competition section – a significant presence from the region.

In addition to the competitive sections, the festival will feature special screenings of Cannes Film Festival selections, restored classics, and a diverse range of public events under the "Film+" and "Festival+" banners.

As the festival unfolds, audiences can expect a celebration of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, and the vibrant spirit of filmmaking from around the world.