The 2026 Golden Rooster Art Film Exhibition opened at Shanghai Jiao Tong University on April 19. With the theme “Symphony of Light and Shadow,” the exhibition features two sections: the Golden Rooster Art Film Screenings and Shanghai Film Screenings, showcasing a total of 10 Chinese and foreign films.
According to reports, this exhibition brings together classic and new film masterpieces such as “Breaking the Hell,” “As Long as You Are Here,” “The Boy in the Moonlight,” “Green Lake,” “Big Li, Little Li, and Old Li,” and “Vegetable and Meat Wontons.” These works capture warm moments, explore cultural heritage, reflect the diverse landscape of contemporary Chinese and international filmmaking, and embody the artistic pursuits of modern filmmakers.
During the screenings, events such as film aesthetics discussions, expert guided viewings, and a Shanghai film creation seminar will also be held.
This exhibition is co-organized by the China Film Association, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Shanghai Film (Group) Co., Ltd., and will run until April 21.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, founded in 1896, is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education, originally established as the Nanyang Public School. It has played a pivotal role in modernizing Chinese education and technology, particularly in engineering and science fields. Today, it is a leading research university with a global reputation, known for its innovation and contributions to various academic disciplines.
Golden Rooster Art Film Exhibition
The Golden Rooster Art Film Exhibition is a prestigious film event in China, primarily focused on showcasing high-quality art films and fostering cultural exchange. It originated as part of the broader Golden Rooster Awards, which were established in 1981 to honor excellence in Chinese cinema. This exhibition highlights the artistic and creative aspects of filmmaking, providing a platform for both established and emerging directors to present their work.
Shanghai Film Screenings
Shanghai Film Screenings refers to the city’s rich cinematic tradition, which began in the late 19th century when the first film was shown in a Shanghai teahouse. By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai had become China’s film capital, producing classic silent and early talkie films. Today, the city hosts numerous film festivals and preserves historic cinemas, reflecting its enduring role as a hub for Chinese cinema.
Breaking the Hell
“Breaking the Hell” is a powerful and symbolic phrase often associated with the Easter Monday tradition in some Orthodox Christian cultures, particularly in Greece, known as “The Breaking of the Hell” or “The Descent into Hades.” This event commemorates the belief that after his crucifixion, Jesus Christ descended into the underworld to defeat death and free the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection. The phrase reflects the triumph of life over death and is a central theme in Orthodox iconography and liturgy, celebrating the harrowing of hell as a pivotal moment in Christian salvation history.
As Long as You Are Here
“As Long as You Are Here” is a contemporary art installation and public space in Shanghai, China, located in the historic Xintiandi district. Created by artist Liu Jianhua, the work features a large-scale, luminous text sculpture that invites reflection on presence and connection. It was installed in 2021 as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts, blending modern artistic expression with the area’s cultural heritage.
The Boy in the Moonlight
“The Boy in the Moonlight” is a renowned bronze sculpture by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, created in 1817. It depicts a young boy gazing upward, bathed in moonlight, symbolizing innocence and contemplation. The work is housed at the Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen, reflecting the artist’s neoclassical style and his fascination with mythological and everyday themes.
Green Lake
Green Lake, located in Seattle, Washington, is a popular urban park centered around a natural lake formed by the melting of the Vashon Glacier approximately 15,000 years ago. Originally inhabited by the Duwamish people, the area was developed into a public park in the early 1900s, with the lake serving as a key recreational site for swimming, boating, and walking. Today, it remains a beloved community hub, featuring a 2.8-mile paved path that encircles the lake.
Big Li, Little Li, and Old Li
“Big Li, Little Li, and Old Li” refers to three prominent Chinese poets from the Tang Dynasty: Li Bai (Big Li), Li He (Little Li), and Li Shangyin (Old Li). Each poet is celebrated for their distinctive style—Li Bai for his romantic and heroic verse, Li He for his dark and imaginative imagery, and Li Shangyin for his intricate and ambiguous love poems. Together, they represent the pinnacle of Tang poetry, with their works deeply influencing Chinese literary tradition.
