Essential Guide to the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival Schedule and Lineup

The cinematic heart of Asia is preparing to beat once more as the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) officially announces its 2026 return. Known locally as the 'Cinema Cruise,' this year's festival is captained by legendary actor Tony Leung, who serves as the Jury President for the prestigious Golden Goblet Awards. For film enthusiasts in 'Modu' (Shanghai's nickname, meaning the Magic City), this ten-day event is more than just a festival—it is a cultural pilgrimage.

Key Dates and Ticketing Information

Planning is crucial for SIFF, as popular screenings often sell out within seconds. The festival officially runs from June 12 to June 21, 2026, though screenings will extend until June 28.

Mark your calendars for these vital milestones:

• June 3: Official schedule release.
• June 5 (12:00 PM): Tickets go on sale for Shanghai screenings via the Maoyan/Daqi platform.
• June 6 (12:00 PM): Tickets go on sale for participating cinemas in the Yangtze River Delta.

Cinematic Highlights and Master Tributes

The 28th edition boasts a massive lineup featuring nearly 341 films across 38 units. This year, the festival pays tribute to masters of the craft, including Hungarian auteur Bela Tarr, British social realist Ken Loach, and a special celebration of the collaboration between Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe.

For those seeking technical spectacle, the IMAX and 4K Restoration units remain the most anticipated. Highlights include a 4K restoration of Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Goodbye South, Goodbye and a special IMAX 3D/4K re-screening of Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One. Fans of world literature can look forward to a dedicated Dostoevsky unit, bringing classic Russian narratives to the silver screen.

Celebrity Presence and the Opening Ceremony

The glitz and glamour of the festival will center on the Shanghai Grand Theatre for the opening ceremony on June 13 and 14. Beyond Jury President Tony Leung, stars like Wen Qi, Ruonan Zhang, and Xin Zhilei are confirmed to attend.

Main Recommendations

Based on the latest festival data, here are the films, guests, and programs currently generating the most buzz:

Featured Films & Series:

• The Fourth Act (Opening Film) (Post #34)
• Ready Player One (IMAX 3D/4K) (Post #8, #14)
• Harry Potter Complete Collection (11 films including Fantastic Beasts) (Post #5)
• Goodbye South, Goodbye (4K Restoration) (Post #12, #30)
• The Heart of a Dog (Thai 2026 breakout hit) (Post #10, #12)
• La Reine Margot (4K Restoration starring Isabelle Adjani) (Post #12)
• The Master of the World (Post #12)
• Carry (Midnight Fantasy Unit) (Post #10, #31)
• Don't Worry, Dad! (Golden Goblet Nominee) (Post #36)
• A Hard Day (Sun Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun) (Post #10, #12)
• Man of Living with the King (Korean box office hit) (Post #10, #12)
• Sisu (IMAX) (Post #12)
• One Night and Three Summers (Tibetan youth story) (Post #17)
• Eight Thousand Li of Cloud and Moon (Classic 4K Restoration) (Post #30)
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (50th Anniversary 4K) (Post #30)
• A Room with a View (Post #30)
• The Fourth Act (Opening Film) (Post #34)

Confirmed Guests & Jury:

• Tony Leung (Jury President) (Post #2)
• Wen Qi (Jury/Guest) (Post #4, #19, #23, #37)
• Ruonan Zhang (Post #16)
• Xin Zhilei (Post #4, #7)
• Bela Tarr (Master Tribute) (Post #3)
• Ken Loach (Master Tribute) (Post #3)

Variations & Options

• The IMAX Experience: Focused on spectacle and nature, including the Sci-Fi Film Week and nature documentaries like Blue Whales: Return of the Giants and Tyrannosaurus. (Post #14, #32)
• The 4K Restoration Unit: For fans of classic cinema and archival quality, featuring Network and The Lucknow Flower. (Post #30)
• Midnight Fantasy: For fans of horror and cult films, though currently limited to two films including Carrie. (Post #31)
• Chinese New Wave: Showcasing modern Sinophone voices through films like The Core and Little Ring. (Post #17)

Tips & Insights

• Plan with Fan Tools: Digital tools and fan-made spreadsheets are available online to help you manage the 341-film roster and create a personalized 'My List' and schedule before official ticketing begins. (Post #27)
• Venue Strategy: There are 47 designated cinemas in Shanghai across all 16 districts. Choose venues near metro lines to avoid '赶场' (rushing between screenings). (Post #6)
• The Ticket Window: Online sales on platforms like Damai start at 12:00 PM, while physical box office sales at cinemas usually open two hours later. (Post #6)

Notable Mentions

• Merchandise: Keep an eye out for SIFF文创 (cultural products) and pop-up markets near the SHO Shanghai Film Art Center for stamps and limited edition gear. (Post #26, #28)
• Critique: Some critics note that while the volume of domestic films is high, the competitive strength of the Golden Goblet entries remains a point of debate in the industry. (Post #15)

Practical Information

• Opening Ceremony Date: June 13-14, 2026.
• Main Venue: Shanghai Grand Theatre.
• Official Ticket Platform: Damai / Maoyan.
• Cinemas: 47 in Shanghai + 5 in regional cities (Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing, Hefei).

📍 Locations Guide

Place Name	Address/Area	Google Maps	Apple Maps	Apple Maps
Shanghai Grand Theatre	300 People's Ave, Huangpu District	Google Maps	Apple Maps	Apple Maps
SHO Shanghai Film Art Center	160 Xinhua Rd, Changning District	Google Maps	Apple Maps	Apple Maps
Shanghai Film Museum	595 Caoxi N Rd, Xuhui District	Google Maps	Apple Maps	Apple Maps
Five New Towns Cinemas	Various Districts (Jiading, Songjiang, etc.)	Google Maps	Apple Maps	Apple Maps

All Xiaohongshu Notes