The opening ceremony of the 20th Changchun Film Festival on Aug 23 in Changchun, Jilin. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The 20th Changchun Film Festival opened on Aug 23 in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin province, with a ceremony and symphonic concert celebrating the 80th anniversary of Changchun Film Group.

Filmmakers from across China gathered in the city to honor cinema's legacy and look ahead to its future.

Coinciding with the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, this year's festival carries special historical weight. Since its founding in 1992, the festival has grown into a major event showcasing the evolution of Chinese film.

The concert brought to life more than 80 years of film history, with melodies from over 3,600 translated and original works created by Changchun Film Group.

The White-Haired Girl is actress Tian Hua's debut. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

When music from the movie The White-Haired Girl filled the hall, 98-year-old actress Tian Hua appeared, recalling, "This is where my movie dream began. Changchun will always be my home."

Festival ambassadors Liu Ye and Ning Chang led audiences through the city's cinematic heritage, joined by acclaimed actors Liu Peiqi, Du Jiang, and Pan Binlong, to reflect on Chinese film milestones.

This year's Golden Deer Awards will select winners from 93 competing films, with the jury pledging fairness and a focus on artistry. The awards ceremony on Aug 28 will crown these highlights of Chinese cinema's ongoing journey.