Women’s Voices, From ‘I’m Still Here’ to ‘Hard Truths,’ to Take the Stage at Beijing Film Festival

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The Beijing International Film Festival is known for shining a light on women’s perspectives within the film industry.

The 15th edition, taking place from April 18-26, is carrying on its tradition by presenting the sixth year of its “Women’s Voice” segment. This section will showcase films such as Walter Salles’ Academy Award winner “I’m Still Here”, a political autobiographical drama starring Fernanda Torres as a Brazilian woman whose spouse, a dissident, mysteriously vanishes, and Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths”, a comedy-drama about depression featuring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

The 15th edition, happening from April 18-26, is keeping its trend going with the sixth installment of the “Women’s Voice” segment. This part will highlight films like Walter Salles’ Academy Award-winning “I’m Still Here”, a political autobiographical drama featuring Fernanda Torres as a Brazilian woman whose husband, a dissident, disappears, and Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths”, a comedy-drama about depression starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

Over the past few years, there’s been a growing number of stories from women creators that are making their way to the forefront. The female voices on screen have become increasingly diverse and impactful, as shown by the Beijing festival. These works push boundaries in terms of form and subject matter, offering more complex and nuanced portrayals of women.

This year’s selection features both seasoned artists and up-and-coming talents from diverse global locations, all presenting nuanced portrayals of women in a variety of circumstances. It’s not just a cinematic extravaganza, but also a deep exploration and conversation about the emotional landscapes, physical forms, and destinies of women.

Additionally showcased in the “Women’s Voice” segment at Beijing are the following films:
– Sarah Friedland’s award-winning film Familiar Touch, a touching story about an elderly woman transitioning into assisted living;
– Rungano Nyoni’s family drama from Zambia, titled On Becoming a Guinea Fowl;
– Sandhya Suri’s Indian police procedural, Santosh, which focuses on the unusual partnership between two female officers;
– François Ozon’s black comedy, When Fall Is Coming, featuring a retiree with a convoluted past;
– Magnus von Horn’s film, The Girl With the Needle, inspired by the tale of Denmark’s most notorious serial killer, played by Trine Dyrholm.

The principal contest at the 15th Beijing Film Festival will showcase narratives focusing on women, including “Frieda’s Case,” the premiere feature by Maria Brendle about a woman standing trial for the murder of her young son, and “Nawi: Dear Future Me,” a Kenyan submission for the Oscars directed by Tobias Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget. This film tells the story of a young girl resisting a forced marriage and striving for her education and future. Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen, known for his roles in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Let the Bullets Fly,” will preside over the main competition jury during the festival.

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2025-04-17 10:54