Cinema Takes Center Stage as SIFF Opens with Michelle Yeoh, Tony Leung and Legendary Guests

More than 200 filmmakers and actors gathered at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on June 12 for the opening red carpet ceremony and Gala Night of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, marking the start of one of Asia's most prominent film events.

Caption: Group photo of the main competition jury panel of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival on the red carpet on June 13.

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh attended the event with the cast of "It's My Time," a film that follows an elderly man whose life is transformed by a Rubik's Cube, empowering him to challenge stereotypes about aging.

The film is scheduled for nationwide release on July 3.

Caption: Michelle Yeoh and the cast of "It's My Time" attend the red carpet ceremony of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival on June 13.

One of the evening's most celebrated guests was 99-year-old actress Lisa Lu Yan. Widely regarded as a trailblazer for Chinese artists in the international film industry, she remains the only person in Hollywood history to have voting rights for the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Greeting audiences in Shanghainese on the red carpet, Lu expressed her affection for her hometown. "It is my honor to return to my hometown and attend the festival," she said.

During the opening ceremony, Lu received the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou in recognition of her remarkable contributions to cinema.

Caption: Lu Yan, appearing in a wheelchair, was presented with the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award by acclaimed director Zhang Yimou during the opening ceremony on June 13.

This year's opening film, "Afterpiece," is directed by Hong Kong director Keane T.K. Wong and produced by Hong Kong filmmaker Derek Yee. Reflecting on his own experience of having a film open SIFF a decade ago, Yee said he felt considerably more relaxed this time.

Caption: The official poster of the opening film "Afterpiece."

Serving as president of the Golden Goblet Awards main competition jury, Tony Leung Chiu-wai shared his enduring passion for cinema despite a career spanning more than four decades.

"I've played many characters in many films, yet cinema continues to captivate me," Leung said. "Through every role, I get to experience different lives and different stories."

Caption: Jury president Tony Leung Chiu-wai speaks at the opening ceremony of the 28th SIFF on June 13.

The 28th SIFF runs through June 22, featuring the Golden Goblet Awards competition, film screenings, industry forums and market events that bring together filmmakers and audiences from around the world.