THE FIRST-EVER China Film Festival in Davao City officially opened on Friday, Nov. 7, at Cinema 3 of SM Cinema Davao, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to experience a showcase of Chinese culture, artistry, and storytelling through the universal language of film.
The festival features a diverse lineup of five carefully selected films, spanning thought-provoking dramas, light-hearted comedies, and family-friendly features suitable for all ages. Admission to all screenings is free.
This year’s program highlights the global appeal of Chinese cinema, which in 2025 has continued to demonstrate strong viability in international exchange. Overseas box office revenue for Chinese films has reached $140 million U.S. dollars to date, surpassing the total for 2024. A total of 30 Chinese films have been released in various countries and regions, each earning more than $1 million in overseas revenue.
The opening film, Detective Chinatown 1900, captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and historical context set against the backdrop of early Chinese diaspora communities. Other titles in the lineup include the heartfelt family drama Successor, the uplifting comedy Viva La Vida, the high-octane action-comedy Pegasus 2, and the mind-bending sci-fi thriller Evacuate from the 21st Century.
Huang Yaping, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines, emphasized the festival’s role in cultural diplomacy. “Since its inauguration in 2022, the China Film Festival has brought over 20 outstanding productions to audiences in the Philippines, offering an opportunity to encounter Chinese narratives and perspectives through the language of cinema,” she said.
Consul General of China in Davao Zhao Xiuzhen expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the China Film Administration, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the China Film Archive, the China Film Art Research Center, and SM Supermalls in organizing this festival.
“The friendship between China and the Philippines requires not only official exchanges but also closeness, understanding, and mutual recognition among ordinary people. Cultural exchange takes many forms, and film stands out as a particularly unique medium,” she added.
Davao City Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz echoed the sentiment of unity and shared values. “This event embodies that same spirit by embracing the diversity of cultures, affirming our collective commitment to peace, understanding, and collaboration,” she remarked.
The China Film Festival runs through the weekend of Nov. 7–9 at SM Cinema Davao.
