In a first for its 14-year history, the Beijing International Film Festival introduced a "Film and Fashion" section, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the cinema and fashion industries, as confirmed by the event organizers.

This section kicked off with a sun-protective clothing fashion show by Bosideng, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of down jackets and outerwear, set against the stunning backdrop of Yanqi Lake shortly before the festival's opening ceremony on April 18.

The show garnered attention from a constellation of stars and esteemed filmmakers, including Oscar-winning Australian sound designer David White, actor Guo Xiaodong, singer Shang Wenjie, and Austrian director Jessica Hausner.

David White expressed his contemplation of relocating to Beijing, citing the potential for growth within the Chinese movie marketplace and an exciting opportunity to engage with the country's burgeoning film industry. Renowned for his work on the Hollywood blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road, White emphasized the importance of sound design in conveying narratives and emotions, underscoring the critical role it plays in storytelling.

Pietro Ferragina, the creative director of Bosideng responsible for designing the show's stage, drew inspiration from French director Alain Resnais's 1961 film, Last Year at Marienbad, underscoring the fusion of cinematic artistry and fashion showcased in the event.

The "Film and Fashion" section at the Beijing International Film Festival marks a significant step in highlighting the interconnectedness of the film and fashion industries, providing a platform for creative synergy and mutual inspiration between these two artistic realms.