Beijing, 24th April 2026 (BISTU)--- The 2026 Looking China Youth Film Project – Shanxi Screening Ceremony successfully concluded at BISTU on 23rd April 2026. The Ceremony highlights the unique charm of culture and geography of Shanxi Province in dozens of documentaries produced by foreign directors from Greece, Spain, Lebanon, Ecuador, and Argentina and BISTU volunteers from College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

The Ceremony was attended by President Guo Fu, Vice President Wang Xingfen, Dean Huang Huilin of Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture (also sponsor of Looking China Youth Film Project), Associate Professor Dimitris Delinikolas of University of Athens, Yang Zhuofan (Coordinator of the Project), and representatives of Converged Media Center of Changping District, Beijing Film Academy, Beijing City University, BISTU colleges and department, and all participants of the Project.

Guo Fu extended the most sincere greetings to all teachers and students. He commented that the Project has successfully built a bridge of mutual learning between different civilizations. Following an introduction to achievements of the University in educational globalization, he encouraged Chinese and foreign youth to continue serving as discoverers and messengers of Chinese culture to strengthen cultural understanding and exchanges.

Prof. Huang Huilin extended warm congratulations to all writers and producers and expressed sincere thanks to BISTU and foreign young directors for the support. She explained the core implications of the Project and hoped that young people would do an even greater job as ambassadors for cross-cultural communication.

Professor Dimitris Delinikolas reviewed the whole process of documentary production from conception to final delivery. The diversified highlights in these documentaries offered a profound explanation of the humanistic value in recording the real world in an AI era and the cultural implications as well as creativity miracles in coordination without borders. He added.

Guo Xinwei of BISTU College of Communication Arts and Sciences expressed sincere thanks to organizing committee and all participants. He shared the experiences of contributing to the Project in the past 12 years, paid tribute to Prof. Huang Huilin for her insight and vision in the Project, and appreciated the sense of occupational happiness he obtained at BISTU.

Ms. Marianne Joseph Fayad, a young director from Lebanon, mentioned that she has once been terrified with language barriers when firstly joining the Project. She was deeply touched by perseverance and passion of Chinese people towards traditional culture. She added that the patriotism and love of nation inscribed in Chinese culture strongly resonated with her. This journey has offered an understanding and appreciation of the beauty of cross-border humanity. She said.

Yang Yaxuan, a Chinese volunteer, told a story of exploring cultural essence with camera language when she and foreign directors were making documentary in Pingyao of Shanxi Province. It is also a meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. She would be dedicated to telling China’s story well in the future.

Certificates of commemoration were presented to supervisors, directors, and volunteers. Representative of College of Communication Arts and Sciences offered Prof. Huang Huilin university cultural and creative souvenirs to show their appreciation and gratitude.

The event then screened documentaries of the Project. Their unique perspective on intangible cultural heritage skills, ancient architecture, traditional folk customs, ethic attire, etc., produced a vivid, live presentation of Shanxi culture.

Director Wang Qiang of Changping TV Station, Director Zhao Ziqiao of CCYL Beijing City University Committee, and Mr. Li Hongcheng of BISTU College of Communication Arts and Sciences produced professional reviews of the documentaries. They spoke highly of the far-reaching implications of the Project in exploring cultural heritage and contemporary value of Shanxi and facilitating Sino-foreign exchange and communication.

It is the second consecutive year that BISTU hosts Looking China Youth Film Project, an event symbolizing BISTU’s commitment to educational globalization and enhancement of global horizon and cross-cultural competence of faculty and students.