The festival
The Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) was launched in October 2017 by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke together with veteran festival programmer Marco Müller. Set inside the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, it is known for championing young Chinese directors and cinema from outside the traditional Western mainstream.
Worth knowing
PYIFF built a distinctive identity around discovering debut and early-career filmmakers, with programming that also highlights films from Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Its purpose-built Festival Palace sits within Pingyao's historic walled town, and the event is typically held in October.
How to attend
The festival sells tickets to the general public for screenings held within the Pingyao Festival Palace complex, combining public screenings with industry and forum activities.
Official site →Dates and programs change year to year — check the official site for the current edition.