Laurent Claquin, chief brand officer of Kering, said in his speech at the forum, "At Kering, we firmly believe creation is one of the most powerful vectors for change. We are honored to renew our partnership with the Shanghai International Film Festival to shine a spotlight on outstanding female filmmakers with a global vision and nurture diverse, open dialogue across the industry. 'Creativity in Motion' resonates perfectly with Kering signature 'Creativity is our Legacy'. It also embodies our shared commitment: to empower creators who dare to cross boundaries and view the world through unique lenses, and let their talents reach wider audiences."
"Today we are gathered here at the Cathay Theatre, a century-old landmark cinema. Much like Kering, it is an enterprise built across generations with a rich cultural heritage," Tong Ying, deputy managing director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center, said in her speech.
"Kering has a deep and enduring connection with the film industry. For this forum, our two sides have jointly invited a group of remarkable female filmmakers — women who have dared to break conventions, blaze new trails, and expand their creative boundaries across diverse professional realms. Their stories are sure to inspire us all."
This forum stands as a centerpiece of Kering's role as the Official Co-Creation Partner of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Beyond this, the partnership also presented the Kering Women In Motion Special Screening Program. Through six international films focusing on multiple perspectives and individual growth, the program continued to celebrate creative spirit, interpreting distinctive personal style and self-transformation.
The Women In Motion program was launched by Kering in 2015 at the Cannes Film Festival, aiming to enhance the visibility and influence of women in cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. After more than a decade of development, the program's influence in film has expanded globally from its origins in Cannes, establishing collaborations with renowned international festivals including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Red Sea International Film Festival. Following its successful inaugural collaboration with SIFF in 2025, the partnership was deepened during the 28th edition this year, actively engaging in co-creation to foster a more diverse and inclusive film industry ecosystem.
