The 12th Silk Road International Film Festival concluded on Friday in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province.
Centered on the theme “Silk Road Connects the World, Film Festival Illuminates Fuzhou,” this year’s festival attracted 2,856 submissions from 125 countries and regions. Twenty-one films were shortlisted for the “Golden Silk Road Awards,” with 10 winners ultimately announced.
The Best Film award went to “As the Water Flows,” a 2025 Chinese drama film, while the Jury Grand Prix Best Director was awarded to “Bird of a Different Feather” from India.
Marianna Brennand, director of “Manas,” won Best Director, while actress Jamilli Correa earned Best Actress for her performance in this Brazilian film. Keat Aun Chong received Best Screenplay for “Pavane For An Infant,” and Li Zhenping was named Best Actor for his role in “As the Water Flows.” The Best Cinematography award went to Zhang Wei for “All Quiet at Sunrise,” while “The Portuguese House” received Best Artistic Contribution. “The Wolves Always Come at Night” won Best Documentary, and “The Myth of Maracuda” took home Best Animated.
The award ceremony integrated elements of the Belt and Road with the cultural heritage of Fuzhou, creating a spectacle that bridged past and present while connecting China with the wider world. A special segment also highlighted new Chinese films scheduled for release during the National Day holiday, showcasing the diversity of genres and vitality of China’s film market.
Spanning five days, the festival brought together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from around the globe, underscoring the deepening exchanges and cultural resonance among Belt and Road partner countries through the medium of cinema.
