On June 13, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival grandly opened, and the Italian jewelry maison BVLGARI, as an official partner, once again joined hands with this global cinematic event. BVLGARI accompanied global film talents with its Eclettica High Jewelry creations, celebrating diverse beauty. The magnificent creativity of jewelry and the timeless charm of cinema complement each other, jointly painting a brilliant chapter of artistic fusion.
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the Chinese classic film 'Peking Opera Blues'. BVLGARI has partnered with the Shanghai International Film Festival to complete the film's 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos upgrade, revitalizing the classic with modern technology.
At the global premiere of the 4K restored Dolby Atmos version of 'Peking Opera Blues', Mr. Mauro di Roberto, President of BVLGARI Greater China; Ms. Chen Guo, Director of the Shanghai International Film Festival Center; Mr. Andrew Wu, President of LVMH Greater China; Mr. Davide Pozzi, Director of the Bologna Restoration Laboratory (L'IMMAGINE RITROVATA); Ms. Sally Yeh, renowned artist and one of the film's stars; and Mr. Wu Lei, BVLGARI brand ambassador attended the pre-screening forum. Using the restored premiere as an occasion, the guests shared their insights on cultural and artistic transmission, craftsmanship inheritance, and female empowerment, presenting an in-depth cross-disciplinary dialogue on the spirit of craftsmanship and the art of cinema.
Pre-screening forum for the global premiere of the 4K restored Dolby Atmos version of the Chinese classic 'Peking Opera Blues'
As a classic masterpiece by director Tsui Hark, 'Peking Opera Blues' has left a significant mark on Chinese cinema history since its release with its rich Peking opera aesthetics, delicate costume textures, and profound patriotic sentiments, becoming a timeless screen classic. Through the vivid performances of the three leading actresses, the film fully demonstrates the courage, perseverance, and spirited female power embodied in the 'Peking Opera Blues' (female warrior) role, a power that aligns perfectly with BVLGARI's "tribute to the beauty of women" philosophy. In 2026, on the important occasion of the film's 40th anniversary, BVLGARI joins hands with the Shanghai International Film Festival to launch this restoration project. Upholding its continuous exploration of East-West artistic fusion, BVLGARI pays tribute to screen classics with contemporary technology and inherits cultural power with a century of artistic heritage, once again demonstrating through concrete action the brand's deep commitment to and unwavering protection of global culture and art, allowing this timeless classic to be reborn in a new era.
On-site at the 4K restored Dolby Atmos version of 'Peking Opera Blues'
The restoration was carried out by the Bologna Restoration Laboratory in Italy, using the original film materials as the basis for 4K scanning, with a total of 150 hours invested in frame-by-frame digital restoration. While preserving the original film grain and image texture, brightness, contrast, and color saturation were calibrated to achieve a more stable, clearer visual effect faithful to the original. The audio restoration involved digital restoration and remixing based on the original soundtrack materials, producing a Dolby Atmos version while preserving the original sound style, restoring the layers, dynamics, and balance of the original soundtrack, and recreating the passionate and vivid soundscape of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema.
Still from the 4K restored Dolby Atmos version of 'Peking Opera Blues'
This restoration project also benefited from the professional support of the Shanghai International Film Festival. Ms. Chen Guo, Director of the Shanghai International Film Festival Center, delivered a speech before the forum opened, saying: "This year marks the sixth year of collaboration between the Shanghai International Film Festival and BVLGARI. Together with the Bologna Restoration Laboratory in Italy, we have completed the 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos upgrade of this classic with modern technology, giving the classic film new life. The two parties have deepened cooperation in classic restoration, film screenings, and cultural exchange, promoting diverse artistic expression and mutual learning. We look forward to bringing more audiences closer to classic films and fostering a love for cinema through the inheritance and innovation of cinematic art."
Ms. Chen Guo, Director of the Shanghai International Film Festival Center
Mauro di Roberto, President of BVLGARI Greater China, explained the brand's core philosophy of deep engagement in cinematic art and emphasis on cultural heritage regarding the choice to support the restoration of 'Peking Opera Blues': "Since the 1950s and 1960s, BVLGARI has had an indissoluble bond with the film industry. In 2013, the brand supported the restoration of 'Cleopatra'; now, restoring a classic Chinese film born forty years ago is another practice of BVLGARI's commitment to artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage. BVLGARI's collaboration with the Shanghai International Film Festival is based on our shared belief in art and cultural preservation. We believe that restoring a film, like restoring a building or a piece of jewelry, requires craftsmanship. BVLGARI's support for cultural heritage protection helps promote East-West cultural exchange and build deep emotional bonds with local consumers. This initiative not only revitalizes classic films through modern technology but also attracts a new generation of audiences, allowing classics to transcend time and endure."
Mauro di Roberto, President of BVLGARI Greater China
He then discussed the female spirit core contained in 'Peking Opera Blues', stating that it aligns perfectly with BVLGARI's brand philosophy: "BVLGARI has always encouraged women with inner strength, from the historical Cleopatra to the classic screen icons of the 1960s and 1970s; empowering women is one of the brand's core spirits. The brand chose 'Peking Opera Blues' precisely because it showcases the unique charm of women. The themes of female strength, confidence, and inclusiveness in the film remain relevant today. Through such projects, BVLGARI hopes to continuously convey the elegance of women and encourage more people to bravely pursue themselves."
Mr. Andrew Wu, President of LVMH Greater China, shared the profound significance of this collaboration by recounting milestone events over the past forty years: "Looking back forty years, in 1986, China's satellite communication network was officially completed, marking a major step forward in the modernization of our country's communications; in 1991, Sally Yeh's hit song 'Xiaosa Zou Yihui' became popular across the country; in 1993, the Shanghai International Film Festival was born; in 2004, BVLGARI officially entered China and joined the LVMH Group in 2011. These forty years have witnessed the growth of different generations. This year, the restoration and rebirth of 'Peking Opera Blues' is a vivid embodiment of the 'Guochao' (national trend) spirit. BVLGARI's collaboration with the Shanghai International Film Festival advances the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, drawing global attention to Chinese classics and enabling China to embrace global trends."
Andrew Wu, President of LVMH Greater China
Ms. Sally Yeh shared her feelings on witnessing the film's renewed re-release, mentioning the character she portrayed as one of the leads and discussing her understanding of female power: "After forty years, seeing this work restored and about to hit the screens again, I am filled with emotion. This character is the one most similar to myself in my acting career. I believe female power is rooted in the heart, possessing not only gentleness and love but also passion and resilience. The women in 'Peking Opera Blues' precisely demonstrate this spiritual strength. The film features many presentations of Peking opera that require a 'craftsmanship' spirit to polish, meeting both the director's requirements and one's own inner pursuit. I sincerely hope that the classic, returning anew, can move a new generation of audiences, allowing everyone to feel the craftsmanship and warmth of Chinese cinema, and that this vibrant and spirited female power continues to be passed on."
Renowned artist Sally Yeh
As the core behind the continuation of this classic, Mr. Davide Pozzi, Director of the Bologna Restoration Laboratory, shared: "This restoration presented dual challenges: not only to repair film scratches, color fading, and other issues with modern technology, but also to fully preserve the film's unique Eastern opera aesthetics and the texture of 1980s Hong Kong cinema. While preserving the original film grain and image texture, we precisely calibrated brightness, contrast, and color saturation to achieve a clear and stable visual experience that restores the film's original appearance to the greatest extent. For me, shaping a culture, restoring a film, and crafting high jewelry all require craftsmanship and an infinite love for art."
Davide Pozzi, Director of the Bologna Restoration Laboratory
BVLGARI brand ambassador and actor Wu Lei shared his personal connection with cinema and his thoughts on the 4K restoration of 'Peking Opera Blues' and the inheritance of Chinese classics: "Film is a container of time, transmitting culture, humanity, and emotions across time and space. 'Peking Opera Blues' tells the story of women breaking through constraints and realizing their self-worth; this courage is worth learning from today. As a young actor, I should pay tribute to the classic works left by predecessors, draw valuable experience and emotions, and strive to catch up. BVLGARI and the Shanghai International Film Festival's restoration of classic films is also an inspiration to young film workers, encouraging us to create more works that stand the test of time."
With brilliant creations illuminating the journey of cinematic art, BVLGARI and global film talents jointly witnessed the dazzling opening of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Inheriting over 140 years of Italian excellence in craftsmanship and carrying a enduring passion for art, the brand continues to write a magnificent chapter where jewelry aesthetics and cinematic art intertwine.
Appendix: Red carpet looks at the opening ceremony of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival:
Mauro di Roberto, President of BVLGARI Greater China, appeared on the opening red carpet with VIP guests Ms. Sally Yeh, renowned artist and one of the stars of 'Peking Opera Blues', and Mr. George Lam.
Mauro di Roberto, President of BVLGARI Greater China, with renowned artists Ms. Sally Yeh and Mr. George Lam
Ms. Sally Yeh wore BVLGARI High Jewelry and High Jewelry watches, witnessing the revival of classic cinema with the power of transformation.
Renowned artist Ms. Sally Yeh
Mr. Tony Leung, President of the Jury for the Golden Goblet Award Main Competition at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and his wife Ms. Carina Lau appeared together on the festival's opening red carpet. Carina Lau wore a necklace from the Eclettica High Jewelry collection, perfectly paired with emerald bracelets, earrings, and rings, writing a touch of elegant verdant on the red carpet.
Mr. Tony Leung, President of the Jury for the Golden Goblet Award Main Competition at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and his wife Ms. Carina Lau
Ms. Lisa Lu, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, wore a necklace and earrings from the Divas' Dream High Jewelry collection, their graceful curves tracing through time and telling the eternal story of cinema.
Ms. Lisa Lu, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival
Chinese director and renowned actress Joan Chen appeared in an elegant look, with a necklace from the Le Magnifiche High Jewelry collection and a ring from the Eclettica High Jewelry collection complementing each other, jointly creating elegance both on and off screen.
Chinese director and renowned actress Joan Chen
Actress Cecilia Yip wore a necklace and earrings from the Eclettica High Jewelry collection, with classic fan shapes outlining brilliant textures and exquisitely blending with rich emeralds, while a Ginkgo collection clutch interpreted a distinctive Italian aesthetic.
Actress Cecilia Yip
Actress Myolie Wu wore earrings, a bracelet, and a ring from the Le Magnifiche High Jewelry collection, with rich emeralds and sparkling diamonds interwoven, displaying a calm and elegant demeanor with every step.
Actress Myolie Wu
Actress Ni Hongjie sparkled with a necklace from the Eclettica High Jewelry collection, while earrings from the Color Treasures High Jewelry collection interpreted colorful aesthetics, complementing her radiant charm.
Actress Ni Hongjie
Actress Gao Ye appeared on the red carpet wearing a necklace and bracelet from the brand's iconic Serpenti High Jewelry collection, the dazzling serpent coiling with transformative posture, accompanying her on the journey of cinema.
Actress Gao Ye
Actress Zhang Li elegantly appeared wearing a necklace and earrings from the Eclettica High Jewelry collection, with exquisite lines embodying classical sculptural beauty adorning her, and a Divas' Dream High Jewelry watch revealing elegant artistic charm.
Actress Zhang Li
Actor Bi Wenjun cleverly paired B.zero1 collection jewelry with an Octo Finissimo 37mm watch, the spiral curves and iconic octagonal silhouette complementing each other, while a Serpenti collection brooch added distinctive charm to the overall look.
Actor Bi Wenjun
Director Bai Xue chose to wear a necklace, earrings, and ring from the Divas' Dream collection, with mother-of-pearl reflecting a dawn-like iridescent shimmer, mirroring her gentle and elegant feminine charm.
Director Bai Xue
丨Source: Official press release
丨Image source: Official press release
丨Editor: LuxeCO
