From left: Laurent Claquin, chief brand officer of Kering; Dora Bouchoucha, Tunisian film producer and member of the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition Jury for the 28th SIFF; Cecilia Yip, Hong Kong actress; Carla Gutiérrez, Peruvian film director, editor, and member of the festival's Golden Goblet Awards Documentary Competition Jury; Rebecca Li, actress; and Tong Ying, deputy managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival launched SIFF Forum: Women in Motion at the Cathay Theatre on June 15, joining hands with the global luxury group Kering.
Centered on the theme "Creativity in Motion", the forum gathered four filmmakers from different countries, active in producing, directing, editing, and acting, for a dialogue exploring how the experience of transcending geographical, professional, and creative boundaries shapes unique artistic expression.
The filmmakers are Dora Bouchoucha, Tunisian film producer and member of the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition Jury for the 28th SIFF; Carla Gutiérrez, Peruvian film director, editor, and member of the festival's Golden Goblet Awards Documentary Competition Jury; veteran Hong Kong actress Cecilia Yip; and emerging actress Rebecca Li from the Chinese mainland.
The dialogue began with how personal experiences fundamentally influence creative paths, delving into core issues such as the shared "zeitgeist" across different cultural backgrounds, the challenges and nourishment derived from multiple identities, and the courage to break out of comfort zones at various life stages. The guests shared insights from navigating diverse roles and cultural contexts throughout their careers, reflecting on the evolution and constancy of their core creative traits from their beginnings to the present.
Concluding with the essence of the theme "Creativity in Motion", they discussed the industry conventions and aesthetic standards most in need of challenge within the current global film ecosystem. This cross-generational dialogue carries forward legacy and fosters renewal, embodying hopes for the power of the future. The forum showcased the creative vitality of women in film, who keep reinventing themselves and embrace diverse possibilities with an open mindset.
From left: Dora Bouchoucha, Tunisian film producer and member of the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition Jury for the 28th SIFF; Hong Kong actress Cecilia Yip; Carla Gutiérrez, Peruvian film director, editor, and member of the festival’s Golden Goblet Awards Documentary Competition Jury; actress Rebecca Li. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Laurent Claquin, chief brand officer of Kering, said in his speech at the forum, "At Kering, we firmly believe creation is one of the most powerful vectors for change. We are honored to renew our partnership with the Shanghai International Film Festival to shine a spotlight on outstanding female filmmakers with a global vision and nurture diverse, open dialogue across the industry. 'Creativity in Motion' resonates perfectly with Kering signature 'Creativity is our Legacy'. It also embodies our shared commitment: to empower creators who dare to cross boundaries and view the world through unique lenses, and let their talents reach wider audiences."
"Today we are gathered here at the Cathay Theatre, a century-old landmark cinema. Much like Kering, it is an enterprise built across generations with a rich cultural heritage," Tong Ying, deputy managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center, said in her speech.
"Kering has a deep and enduring connection with the film industry. For this forum, our two sides have jointly invited a group of remarkable female filmmakers — women who have dared to break conventions, blaze new trails, and expand their creative boundaries across diverse professional realms. Their stories are sure to inspire us all."
This forum stands as a centerpiece of Kering's role as the Official Co-Creation Partner of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Beyond this, the partnership also presented the Kering Women In Motion Special Screening Program. Through six international films focusing on multiple perspectives and individual growth, the program continued to celebrate creative spirit, interpreting distinctive personal style and self-transformation.
The Women In Motion program was launched by Kering in 2015 at the Cannes Film Festival, aiming to enhance the visibility and influence of women in cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. After more than a decade of development, the program's influence in film has expanded globally from its origins in Cannes, establishing collaborations with renowned international festivals including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Red Sea International Film Festival. Following its successful inaugural collaboration with SIFF in 2025, the partnership was deepened during the 28th edition this year, actively engaging in co-creation to foster a more diverse and inclusive film industry ecosystem.
