AI Robots Dance in the Rain as Pingyao Film Festival Turns 10, Honors Ann Hui

The Festival's New Chapter

As the 10th Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival kicked off on September 24, it did so with a spectacle that perfectly captured the spirit of innovation and tradition: a choreographed dance by AI robots from Unitree. The performance took place under the soft drizzle that had also graced the opening ceremony of the first festival in 2016, creating a poignant echo across the decades.

"I remember one year we hosted the Pingyao Film Festival during a heavy snowfall... In that moment, I felt the snow was burning, fueled by the warmth and support you brought to us."

The event unfolded at the Platform, an open-air theater nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pingyao. The ancient architecture provided a stunning backdrop for this modern tribute, and attendees were generously equipped with disposable ponchos in anticipation of the rain.

A Tribute to Lost Voices

After the mesmerizing robot performance, a montage highlighted films set against the historical landscapes of Shanxi province. The cinematic journey included classics like Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, King Hu's Painted Skin, and Wai Ka-fai and Johnnie To's Running on Karma. Additionally, two animated features, Yu Shui's Nobody and Mu Zhengyang's All Wishes Come True!, paid homage to the region's cultural heritage.

Festival founder Jia Zhangke reflected on the festival's enduring spirit, sharing how the first year was marked by a heavy snowfall. "Yet that year, so many people who work in the film industry drove through the heavy snow from hundreds, even thousands of kilometers away," he recalled. "In that moment, I felt the snow was burning, fueled by the warmth and support you brought to us."

Honoring a Film Legend

The evening's centerpiece was the presentation of the East-West Award to Ann Hui, a pioneering figure in Hong Kong cinema. This honor recognized her contributions to bridging Eastern and Western cinematic traditions. As a leader of the Hong Kong New Wave movement, Hui's body of work has left an indelible mark on global cinema.

"Now that I'm turning 80, I can tell you this: you will look back and feel deeply, profoundly grateful for the grace of being able to make films."

Hui accepted the award with a moving speech, expressing gratitude to her collaborators and reflecting on the journey of filmmaking. "I want to take this moment to deeply thank the actors I just saw on screen, disheveled and weeping. They poured everything into collaborating with me to bring so many projects to fruition," she said.

Memorializing the Past

The festival also featured a touching memorial film honoring four friends who passed away over the summer: British writer and commentator Tony Rayns, Hong Kong producer Shi Nansun, former International Film Festival Rotterdam director Simon Field, and Chinese operatic soprano Guo Lanying. Set to a haunting arrangement of "Amazing Grace," the short film traced each individual's unique contribution to the festival.

Celebrating Artistic Community

With the arrival of actor Huang Bo, who is visiting Pingyao for the first time, and the presence of jury head Carlo Chatrian, who was still en route from Turin where he conducted a masterclass with Bong Joon Ho, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Lee Sinje, who recently wrapped her directorial debut Wanita, spoke on behalf of the jury, quoting Hou Hsiao-hsien: "I make film. It is my belief."

The evening concluded with performances by Chinese band Wu Tiao Ren, who played Teresa Teng's classic "The Moon Represents My Heart," celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. The band returned at the end of the ceremony to invite jury members on stage, creating a festive and communal finish to the celebration.

Looking Ahead

The restored version of Spring in a Small Town opened the festival, receiving its Asian premiere after the ceremony in the theater that shares its name. The 10th anniversary of Pingyao is not just a celebration but a testament to the enduring power of cinema to connect people across cultures and generations.

This year's festival runs through September 30, offering a rich lineup of films and discussions that promise to continue the legacy of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue.