Sports film contenders named
The shortlist announcement ceremony for the 21st Beijing International Sports Film Week was held at the Beijing Olympic Tower on Friday.
Han Zirong, president of the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and executive vice-chairwoman of the Beijing Olympic City Development Association, delivered a speech at the ceremony.
She emphasized that the event is dedicated to promoting the spirit of Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022, paving a path for the global dissemination of Chinese sports films. In the future, the event will continue to tell Chinese sports stories, strengthen cultural exchanges in sports between China and the world, and contribute to China's goal of becoming a leading sporting nation.
Franco Ascani, president of the Federation Internationale Cinema Television Sportifs (FICTS), sent a video message expressing his anticipation for the Chinese-selected works to be showcased at the Milano International FICTS Fest global finals in October.
He also expressed his willingness to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners during the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, hoping that Chinese cinematic talent will continue to showcase the spirit of Chinese sports on the world stage and tell compelling sports stories from China.
Launched in 2005, the Beijing International Sports Film Week originated as an international sports film exchange and exhibition activity during the Beijing 2008 and has continued ever since.
The 21st edition was organized by the Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee, the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Beijing Olympic City Development Association. Since the call for submissions began, a total of 211 eligible entries were received. After rigorous evaluation, 32 works advanced to the final round. Ultimately, 18 outstanding works were announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, with 10 of them being recommended to compete in the 43rd Milano International FICTS Fest global finals in October in Milan.
On the day of the event, posters of all outstanding works that passed the preliminary selection of this year's sports film week were exhibited on-site.
