Shanghai Film Festival to screen Yuan Muzhi films for WWII anniversary

Organizers of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival announced on June 3 the lineup of films to be screened in Shanghai and neighboring regions, including a special section marking the 80th anniversary of victory in both the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Clockwise from top: Stills from "Life and Death," "Fate of Graduates," "Street Angel," and "Children of Troubled Times." [Photo courtesy of the SIFF Organizing Committee]

This year's festival features a special retrospective honoring Yuan Muzhi, a pioneer of Chinese left-wing cinema and a key figure in the anti-fascist film movement.

Born in March 1909 in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Yuan began his career as a stage actor at age 13. After making a name for himself in theater, he moved into film, writing and starring in the 1934 production "Fate of Graduates," considered both a classic of left-wing cinema and China's first sound film. His later works include "Children of Troubled Times" (1935), "Life and Death" (1936) and "Street Angel" (1937).

"Children of Troubled Times" follows two young intellectuals from Northeast China who flee to Shanghai after the Sept. 18 Incident in 1931, which marked the start of imperial Japan's invasion of China. Amid the national crisis, one joins the resistance movement and makes the ultimate sacrifice, while the other – initially reluctant – finds inspiration through his friend's heroism and a pivotal theatrical performance. The film's powerful portrayal of intellectuals' patriotic awakening is underscored by its theme song, "March of the Volunteers," which was later adopted as China's national anthem.

"Street Angel," considered one of the finest left-wing films of the 1930s, uses stark realism to depict the struggles of society's marginalized. Directed by Yuan Muzhi and starring Zhou Xuan and Zhao Dan, this tragicomedy masterfully blends humor, humanity and social resistance, turning ordinary hardships into landmark cinematic art. Its signature song, "The Wandering Songstress," performed by Zhou Xuan, remains one of China's most beloved musical classics.

"Fate of Graduates" tells the story of two idealistic university graduates whose hopes for social reform are dashed by systemic corruption, ending in tragedy. A hallmark of left-wing cinema, the film's realist critique of society is amplified by the patriotic anthem "Graduation Song."

"Life and Death" follows a revolutionary who escapes during the warlord era, leading to a case of mistaken identity. After witnessing the suffering of an innocent man, the revolutionary inspires others to join the cause, culminating in a final act of sacrifice as revolutionary forces arrive. The film exemplifies left-wing cinema's blend of mass awakening narratives and realist style.

All of these films will be featured in the upcoming retrospective at the Shanghai International Film Festival, which also marks the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. Organizers noted that Yuan's artistic work was deeply connected to his political ideals, reflecting the unwavering spirit of Chinese filmmakers during times of national crisis.

Yuan founded and served as the first president of Northeast Film Studio, now known as Changchun Film Studio. In 1949, the year the People's Republic of China was founded, he was appointed by the central government to lead the Central Film Administration. He was also elected as a deputy to the First National People's Congress. Yuan died in June 1978 after a long illness.

This year's Shanghai International Film Festival released its screening schedule on June 3. Tickets went on presale June 5 through the online platforms Taopiaopiao and Damai, as well as at theater box offices.

Nearly 20 sections have been curated for the festival, including Golden Goblet Award contenders, new film premieres and tributes to masters, with more than 410 films set to be screened. Highlights include classics by the late David Lynch, "Cinema Paradiso" by Giuseppe Tornatore, president of the Golden Goblet Awards jury, and the highly anticipated IMAX release of the new horror thriller "Sinners."

The festival runs from June 13 to 22 and will showcase films at 48 venues – 43 in Shanghai and five in neighboring Yangtze River Delta cities. This year, the festival plans to expand its theater network and move from selling single tickets to offering a connected experience across multiple venues. The goal is to better integrate culture, tourism, commerce, sports and film.