QINGDAO -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film and Television Week kicked off in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province on Friday with a high-profile opening ceremony, which was attended by diplomats, filmmakers, and international stars, highlighting the growing role of the city as a hub for multinational cinematic collaboration.

Behind the glittering event, the SCO's first-ever multinational film week, lies a broader effort to strengthen real-world cultural ties among SCO countries through shared film projects and production partnerships.
Since 2020, more than 40 co-produced films have been initiated among SCO member states, reflecting a strategic emphasis on cultural exchange and soft power.
One notable example is the action-spy film "The Red Silk", a Russia-China collaboration.
Popular Russian Singer Alena Sviridova who sings the theme song of the film made a stellar appearance at the opening ceremony for the SCO Film and Television Week.
Meanwhile, the Qingdao Oriental Film Metropolis, a production base for major films including "Wandering Earth 2" and "Pacific Rim: Uprising", continues to attract international filmmakers with its advanced facilities and supportive policies.
In addition to financial benefits, the expertise and craftsmanship at the Qingdao complex have drawn praise from industry veterans.