The Pingyao International Film Festival
A rising platform for global cinema
Renowned director and Rolex Testimonee Jia Zhang-Ke established the Pingyao International Film Festival in 2017 to bring a greater diversity of films to China.
Festival shaped by vision and tradition
Held in the ancient walled city of Pingyao in China’s Shanxi province, the Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) has swiftly become a beacon for emerging filmmakers and independent cinema. Founded in 2017 by acclaimed Chinese director and Rolex Testimonee Jia Zhang-Ke, PYIFF offers a unique platform to showcase both Chinese and international films in an environment that bridges historical heritage and modern storytelling. Rolex began supporting the Pingyao International Film Festival in 2024, extending its commitment to the art of filmmaking.
Shaping Chinese cinema
Celebrated filmmaker Jia Zhang-Ke, known for his socially conscious films, established the festival to nurture a new generation of Chinese filmmakers and connect them with global cinematic voices. Set against the backdrop of Pingyao’s UNESCO-listed architecture, PYIFF reflects the founder’s belief in cinema as a cultural dialogue.
Continuing the festival’s tradition of celebrating cinematic excellence and fostering new talent within the captivating ambiance of Pingyao, Rolex presents the organization’s Masterclass series of events. This programme features a host of sessions from distinguished filmmakers, who share their knowledge and creative experiences in order to inspire tomorrow’s creators. Jia is now producing a series of short films titled Pingyao in Motion II, presented by Rolex and providing highlights of each Masterclass.
