The opening ceremony of the science and technology unit of 12th Beijing International Film Festival and China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) Special Effects Film Panorama was successfully held in 4D theater of China Science and Technology Museum on August 13, 2022. The event is guided by the organizing committee of the Beijing International Film Festival, CSTM, China Natural Science Museum Society Special Effects Cinema Committee, International Planetarium Society (IPS) and Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA).

Yin Hao, Member of the Leading Party Members Group, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and Curator of the CSTM, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. He pointed out that as the featuring section of the Beijing International Film Festival, the science and technology unit sponsored by CSTM focused on the role promoting the science literacy of the public. By exhibiting first-class international masterpiece featuring Science and technology themes and colourful popular science activities showcased the achievements of science and technology development in the film industry and communicated science concept. It has become an important popular science label during the Beijing International Film Festival. He stressed that the science and technology unit activities this year will focus on celebrating the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Series of “Main melody” films will be put on screen, along with film exhibition, popular science activities, outstanding films recognition and industry exchanges, and a kickoff of the “2022 Scientist Spirit Shines over Screen”-- an exhibition tour to national science museums, would promote the development of science and technology film and integration of science film and science education, leading to an over-all uplift of science education quality and efficiency of science film and television in science museums.

Chen Xiang, member of the Party Leading Group and deputy director of the Beijing Radio and Television Station, and deputy secretary-general of the Organizing Committee of the Beijing International Film Festival, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizing committee. Michael McConville, president-elect of the International Planetarium Society, and Tammy Barrett, executive director of the Giant Screen Cinema Association, sent their congratulation by video. Both international organizations have expressed their willingness to maintain close cooperation and exchanges with the CSTM, provide first-class immersive popular science education activities for the public, and work together to let the public enjoy high-quality and high-level movie-watching experience.

The premiere of "Pipi's Mars Dream" was held at the opening ceremony and the picture book "Pipi's Mars Dream" was released and the curtain of film micro-exhibition unfolded. China Natural Scienc Museum Society Special Effects Cinema Committee introduced “2022 Scientist Spirit Shines over  Screen” exhibition tour to national science museums, presented seven "Scientist Role Model" animated short films in tribute to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and launched a nationwide screening tour. A jury of experts announced the awards for Best Science Communication, Best Special Effects Design, Best Domestic Film, and Audience Choice.

Centering on the theme of “Joint action boosting science and technology on screen”, an exhibition of 34 outstanding films from 9 countries were showcased. The activity was carried out both online and on spot. About 1,300 people, including members of the special effects cinema committee and representatives of film manufacturers attended the opening ceremony online and offline.

Tag: China Science and Technology Museum, Science Communication