On October 18, 2025, the opening ceremony of the 2025 Classic Film Festival, along with the world premiere of the 4K restored version of Sorrows and Joys of a Middle-Aged Man, took place in Suzhou.

Held under the guidance of the China Film Administration, the event is co-hosted by the China Film Archive and the Jiangsu Provincial Film Administration, organized by the Publicity Department of Suzhou, with support from Jiangsu Film Group and Suzhou Broadcasting System.

Wang Mingzhu, First-Class Inspector of the Publicity Department of Jiangsu Province; Lu Liang, Deputy Director of the China Film Archive; Huang Zhi, Director of the Technology Division of the China Film Administration; and Sun Xianghui, President of the China Taiwan and Hong Kong Film Research Association, joined other local officials in inaugurating the event.

At the launch ceremony, Suzhou Broadcasting System officially granted the China Film Archive the permanent screening rights to the documentary Learning Intangible Cultural Heritage in Suzhou. Filmed over three years, the documentary captures the transmission of intangible cultural heritage through the eyes of apprentices. Having been showcased internationally in Paris, Venice, and Milan, it is now ready for official release.

This year’s festival will feature 19 restored classic films from China and abroad, including works closely linked to Suzhou’s culture such as Peony Pavilionand and Breaking the Willow. Together, these films celebrate and preserve the rich legacy of cinematic cultural heritage.

This year, four key themes takes center stage at the festival forums:

“Renewal: The Current State and Innovative Applications of Film Restoration”

“Intelligence: When AI Meets Classic Images”

“Craftsmanship: Restoration Techniques and Image Preservation Strategies”

“From the Art of Restoration to Restoring with Artistry”

Alongside film screenings, the festival includes a “Tribute to 120 Years of Chinese Cinema” concert, humanities film classes, and a series of cultural events, offering a vibrant artistic celebration in this historic Jiangnan city with deep cinematic roots.

(Translated by Luo Desai)