What legacy did Ren Qingtai leave behind with the creation of China’s first film? How did his contributions impact the development of Chinese cinema over the past 120 years? What significant milestones have been celebrated at the Beijing International Film Festival in honor of his pioneering work?
We’ve no way of knowing for certain whether or not Ren Qingtai had an inkling of the legacy he’d leave behind when he first ordered a French-made, wooden-bodied, hand-cranked camera to roll, back in the fall of 1905.
But chances are he did. History reveals Ren was a very smart man, and a multi-hyphenate, a good century before that phrase even emerged. Importantly, he was also the man who directed China’s first-ever film, Dingjun Mountain.
“The production of this film stands as a symbolic milestone, marking the end of an era without Chinese cinema and devoid of domestically produced films by the Chinese people,” explains Professor Li Zhen from the China Film Archive.
Now, just look at what Ren started. Fast-forward 120 years, and China boasts the second-largest film industry in the world, with such recent mega-hits as Ne Zha 2, which the Beijing fest is also celebrating.
The 15th edition of the Beijing International Film Festival is marking those 120 years of Chinese cinema with a special program under its “Beijing Panorama” section, one that attempts to trace the evolution of movie-making in the country.
Program curator Sha Dan has cast the net wide, and the selection offers a collection of treasures, from rare screenings of restored silent films (1927’s Spiders and The Goddess from 1934 included) complete with live scores, and on to the early days of animation and China’s, and Asia’s, first animated feature, Princess Iron Fan (1941).
“Created during wartime China, it reimagines mythological tales with undertones of national salvation,” says Sha.
Charting a course through history, audiences can all catch Fei Mu’s aching classic Spring in a Small Town – in 2025 voted the best Chinese film of all time – and work their way through the likes of kung fu blockbuster Shaolin Temple (1982) and on to “contemporary visions” such as Jia Zhangke’s era-spanning anthology Mountains May Depart (2015).
“Overall, this special program honors the pioneers and trailblazing artists of Chinese cinema. It also offers a great opportunity to understand how Chinese film has developed over the past 120 years,” says Sha.
The occasion of the 120th anniversary is also being marked by discussions on film history hosted by filmmakers Jia Zhangke and Huo Jianqi, and it also offers film geeks a chance to reflect on the people – and the circumstances – that first brought cinema to China.
And that leads us back to the story of Ren Qingtai.
Film had first landed in China in 1896 with screenings in Shanghai of shorts from France’s Lumière brothers. As Li tells it, Ren was born into poverty in the 1850 of Faku, Liaoning, at first turning to carpentry in the hope of finding his fortune. His work turned heads and he began to look for new opportunities just as photography reached China.
By 1892, Ren had opened the Fengtai Photo Studio in Beijing, and he was soon counting among his clients none other than the Qing Dynasty’s Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-19080 – famously portrayed on her deathbed in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winner The Last Emperor (1987). For that work, he was awarded a “fourth-rank official’s hat and peacock feather,” which brought “great fame,” says Li.
Motion pictures were at the time quickly turning heads, and Ren seized the opportunity, buying that wooden camera of his from Beijing’s Kierulf’s Store, and enlisting the services of Peking Opera veteran actor Tan Xinpei and budding cinematographer Liu Zhonglun in the courtyard of his studio in order to create China’s first film.
“Filming took place over three days, capturing three excerpts from the Peking Opera Dingjun Mountain – Requesting Orders [Qing Ying], Sword Dance [Wu Dao], and Battle Engagement [Jiao Feng],” explains Li. It is said that after completion, Ren Qingtai screened the film at his Daguanlou Theater and other theaters. “He founded the first professional cinema in Beijing, the Daguanlou Cinema, transforming the film-viewing experience and helping to shift cinema from a court novelty to a form of mass entertainment.”
Beijing Fest Screens Classics, Celebrating 120 Years of Chinese Cinema
The charm of Chinese cinema’s rich history was on full display during the recent Beijing Fest, a remarkable event commemorating 120 years of cinematic artistry. Launched in 1905 with the production of "The Battle of Dingjunshan," Chinese filmmaking has undergone a transformative journey, from its early silent films to the current era of dazzling digital effects. The film festival, which ran from early September to mid-October, became a cultural celebration, drawing film enthusiasts, scholars, and casual viewers from around the world, all eager to witness the evocative narratives and artistic triumphs that have shaped one of the world’s oldest film industries.
The Beijing Fest boasted a diverse lineup of classic films, many of which served as cornerstones in the development of Chinese cinema. Among them were the immortal works of directors like Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, and Wong Kar-wai. The inclusion of both historical epics and modern dramas underlined the event’s mission to showcase the breadth of Chinese cinematic expression, while also inviting audiences to reflect on the evolution of storytelling within this medium.
One of the highlights of the festival was a retrospective honoring the legendary director Zhang Yimou, renowned for his visually stunning films that explore themes of love, sacrifice, and national identity. Screenings included "Raise the Red Lantern" (1991), a haunting portrayal of the struggles faced by women in traditional Chinese society, and "Hero" (2002), an epic martial arts film that captivated global audiences with its stunning visuals and intricate choreography. Each screening prompted discussions around the socio-political contexts in which these films were made, offering attendees a chance to engage deeply with the narratives and aesthetics that have come to define Zhang’s contributions to film.
Additionally, the festival featured an array of documentary screenings that offered insight into the historical context of early 20th-century China, emphasizing the cultural and political milieu that gave rise to the first Chinese films. These documentaries provided a lens through which to appreciate the struggles and triumphs of early filmmakers who navigated both colonial influences and the complexities of a nation undergoing rapid change.
One cannot discuss the evolution of Chinese cinema without acknowledging the impact of the Fifth Generation directors, a group that emerged in the mid-1980s following the Cultural Revolution. Their films often tackled controversial subjects with bold narratives and aesthetic experimentation. A special segment at Beijing Fest was dedicated to their works, featuring celebrated films such as "The Yellow Earth" (1984) and "To Live" (1994), which provided attendees with an understanding of how these filmmakers sought to challenge societal norms and provoke thought through their art.
The festival also placed a substantial emphasis on independent cinema, with screenings of groundbreaking films that reflect the emerging voices breaking through the industry’s established standards. These indie films often grapple with themes of globalization, urbanization, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, resonating poignantly with younger audiences. Dialogues and panel discussions featuring filmmakers, critics, and scholars enriched these viewings, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for debate and exchange.
In addition to the screenings, Beijing Fest offered engaging workshops and masterclasses led by industry veterans. These sessions provided aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts the invaluable opportunity to learn about the intricacies of filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of the industry. The festival served not only as a space to celebrate the past but also as a platform to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
Beyond the cinematic displays, Beijing Fest served as a cultural hub that brought together people from various backgrounds, promoting the significance of cinema as a medium for cultural dialogue. Amidst the screenings, local food stalls offered traditional cuisines, while art exhibitions celebrated the intersection of visual arts and film, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding cultural narratives.
The 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its filmmakers. The Beijing Fest’s initiative to screen classics allows not only for a retrospective view but also fosters a renewed appreciation for the evolution of storytelling in cinema. By engaging audiences with historical context and contemporary reflections, the festival ensured that the legacy of Chinese cinema will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
As the credits rolled on the final screening of the festival, it became evident that the essence of Chinese cinema is not merely in its past achievements but also in its ongoing journey—a journey that reflects the ever-changing landscapes of society, culture, and identity. Beijing Fest has not only celebrated the storied legacy of Chinese film but has also set the stage for its exciting future, promising a continued exploration of the unyielding human spirit expressed through the power of cinema.
Beijing Fest Screens Classics, Celebrating 120 Years of Chinese Cinema
The Beijing Film Festival recently unveiled a special program dedicated to highlighting the rich history of Chinese cinema, marking an impressive 120 years since its inception. The festival curates a selection of iconic films that have shaped the industry, showcasing the evolution of storytelling, filmmaking techniques, and cultural representation.
As audiences flock to theaters, they are treated to a range of classic films that span multiple genres and eras. The program includes notable works from influential directors, as well as beloved titles that resonate with both domestic and international viewers. This celebration not only honors the past but also ignites discussions about the future of Chinese cinema.
Panel discussions and masterclasses are an integral part of the festival, where filmmakers, scholars, and enthusiasts come together to analyze the impact of these classics on contemporary cinema. This initiative aims to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and reinforce the importance of preserving cinematic heritage.
Moreover, the festival serves as a platform for showcasing modern interpretations and remakes of these classic films, exploring how current filmmakers draw inspiration from the storied past while addressing contemporary issues. The blending of tradition and modernity highlights the dynamic nature of Chinese cinema and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In addition to screenings, the festival features exhibitions that highlight pivotal moments in Chinese film history, providing context and deeper appreciation for the works being showcased. By celebrating this significant anniversary, the Beijing Film Festival not only pays homage to the legends of Chinese cinema but also invigorates the ongoing dialogue about its cultural significance and global influence.