Sahar Ragab
In a vibrant celebration of global cultural exchange, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henein, declared that Egypt and China have presented “a unique model of two ancient civilizations over thousands of years, preserving their identities while opening to the world and coexisting peacefully with other civilizations.
This poignant reflection on shared human creativity underscored the opening of the 2nd Golden Panda Awards 2025, hosted in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, from September 12 to 13. The event, organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, gathered filmmakers, cultural leaders, and international dignitaries to honor excellence in cinema and foster cross-cultural dialogue.
A Forum for Innovation and Dialogue
The awards ceremony capped a series of high-level discussions, including the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum, which kicked off on September 13 and drew over 300 participants from more than 50 countries. Among the luminaries was Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, who joined Henein in keynote addresses emphasizing cultural bonds as bridges for global understanding.
Henein’s speech, delivered amid the forum’s sessions on AI’s role in reshaping art and society, highlighted the enduring Egypt-China partnership.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, our bond is more than strategic—it’s a testament to the resilience of people-to-people friendship,” he noted, praising China’s spicy hotpot, giant pandas, and teahouse culture as symbols of a dynamic hub for worldwide conversations.
The forum explored timely themes, such as how artificial intelligence, cinematic language, and ecological innovation are
transforming creative industries.
Experts from the World Health
Organization and global regulatory bodies participated, underscoring the event’s blend of tradition and technology.
Henein, a renowned sculptor and cultural advocate, positioned Egypt as a key player in this narrative, drawing parallels between the Nile’s ancient legacies and the Yangtze’s timeless stories.
Honoring Global Storytelling Excellence
The Golden Panda Awards, held biennially since their debut in 2023, recognize outstanding film and television works that premiered between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2025, across four categories: Film, TV Drama, Documentary, and Animation.
This edition featured 27 awards, including Special Jury Prizes, selected by an international panel of influential figures to promote “sincere expression, emotional resonance, and shared human values.
“aad400 Nominees were invited to Chengdu for screenings, workshops, and the gala ceremony, where standout works like the animated sensation Ne Zha 2—a Chengdu-born blockbuster blending Chinese mythology with cutting-edge visuals—were celebrated for rewriting Chinese cinema history and shattering global box-office records for animated features.
The event’s submission deadline was April 25, 2025, drawing entries from film institutions and associations worldwide, with a focus on narratives that bridge cultures and inspire unity.
Highlights included documentaries on ecological conservation and TV dramas exploring human resilience, aligning with the awards’ mission to “bring people closer to China and let China embrace the world.
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
Henein’s presence symbolized Egypt’s deepening ties with China, rooted in millennia of mutual respect and innovation.
As Minister since 2024, he has championed initiatives like joint archaeological exhibitions and cultural exchanges, further solidified by this forum.
“The dialogue of civilizations is not a choice but a universal necessity,” Henein asserted, urging participants to harness culture as a tool for peace amid global challenges.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 edition, Chengdu—famed for its pandas and vibrant heritage—reaffirmed its role as a global cultural crossroads.
The Golden Panda Awards not only spotlighted cinematic gems but also wove a tapestry of shared human creativity, echoing Henein’s vision of two ancient civilizations meeting on the banks of innovation.
With 2025GoldenPandaAwards trending worldwide, the event leaves a lasting imprint: in a divided world, culture remains the ultimate unifier.