The Beijing International Film Festival, established in 2011, operates under the principle of "Sharing Resources, Win-Win Future," gathering outstanding cinematic achievements from around the world and fostering international cooperation in filmmaking. As a key event drawing the attention of film professionals and enthusiasts worldwide, the 12th Beijing International Film Festival is set to open in August with the theme "Unity and Steadfastness."

Alongside a series of activities such as the "Tiantan Award" judging, Beijing screenings, and the "Cloud Film Festival," the festival will also initiate a deep cross-industry project, "Film +," and create the world's first "Metaverse Film Palace," further promoting the exchange and interconnectedness within the film industry.

On this occasion, British documentary director and screenwriter Malcolm Clarke has been honoured with an invitation to serve on the international jury for the "Tiantan Award." He will join the jury president, Li Xuejian, director Guo Fan, Argentine director Lucrecia Martel, Italian director Michelangelo Frammartino, actress Qin Hailu, and director-actor Wu Jing to evaluate the nominated works from a multiplicity of viewpoints, ensuring that the visual narratives are reborn through the processes of viewing, contemplation, and interpretation. In response to this invitation, Clarke has expressed his sentiments, stating, "I view film as a language of unique charm, a power that is unparalleled—it enriches, enlightens, inspires, and brings joy. This power strikes the very core of our being. It is truly miraculous."

Throughout his career, which spans over four decades in documentary and feature film production, Clarke has journeyed through more than 80 countries across the globe, narrating stories that highlight the essence of humanity. With seminal works such as "You Don't Have to Die," "Prisoner of Paradise," and "The Lady in Number 6," Clarke has been nominated for Oscars four times, won two Oscars, and received 16 Emmy Awards, with his talent and dedication widely recognised within the industry.

Clarke's connection with China runs deep, having shifted his professional focus to the country after 2015. He has been captivated by the transformation of this land and sees the vibrant energy and vast potential within China. To Clarke, China's evolution is "the most significant and enduring news story of the 21st century," and he considers "China a paradise for creativity." Clarke has explored numerous cities and rural areas throughout China, committed to documenting his perspective of the country through visual storytelling, capturing the warmth and spirit of the land. In his "Chinese Story Quartet," Clarke focuses his lens on ordinary Chinese people against the backdrop of a great era, capturing the touching spiritual qualities of the populace and painting a picture of a China rich in human interest.

Beyond his documentary work, Clarke has also applied his Hollywood "script doctor" expertise to feature film creation, focusing on portraying the lives of Chinese characters through moving narratives to allow a broader audience to experience the diverse lives of ordinary people in China. The screenplay "Love in Beichuan" (provisional title), created against the backdrop of the Wenchuan Earthquake, and "Drive Like A Girl" (provisional title), adapted from characters in "A Long-Cherished Dream" will soon be introduced to a wider audience through the silver screen.

Using visual media as a conduit, Clarke is committed to presenting an image of China to the world that is credible, endearing, and respectable. He consistently strives to integrate himself spiritually and emotionally with the subjects of his focus, listening attentively to their most sincere voices and subtly revealing the universal human experience through his lens.