Bi Gan's 'Resurrection' Secures Jury Special Prize at 78th Cannes Film Festival

The latest science fiction feature from Chinese director Bi Gan, titled 'Resurrection' (Kuang Ye Shi Dai), has been honored with the prestigious Jury Special Prize at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This significant cinematic event took place over the dates of May 13th through May 24th, 2025. This accolade is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in a decade that a Chinese film has claimed an award within the festival's main competition section. The jury president, acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche, presented the film, describing it as an 'exceptional picture' and an 'astonishing invention.'

Director Bi Gan, who was 35 years old at the time of the premiere, expressed profound gratitude toward the festival organizers, the cast, and every individual involved in the production process. The film plunges audiences into a dystopian future where humanity has forfeited the ability to dream in exchange for eternal life. Central to the narrative is Ms. Shu, portrayed by Shu Qi, who serves as an archivist of dreams. Her routine is disrupted when she encounters an unusual being, played by Jackson Yee, who, unlike everyone else, still possesses the capacity to dream.

Ms. Shu subsequently delves into this being's subconscious, navigating his visions of Chinese history, which unfold across six distinct cinematic chapters, all in pursuit of uncovering a fundamental truth. This ambitious feature runs for a total of 156 minutes, establishing itself as Bi Gan's third feature-length work, following his previous acclaimed films, 'Kaili Blues' and 'Long Day's Journey Into Night.'

Structurally, 'Resurrection' functions as a grand homage to various eras of filmmaking, showcasing the director's remarkable visual prowess. Each of the six segments corresponds thematically to one of the six senses recognized within Buddhist philosophy: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind. Viewers are taken on a stylistic journey that shifts dramatically, moving from the expressionistic traits of silent cinema from the early 20th century to the hard-boiled aesthetic of 1940s film noir, and even incorporating a 1999 vampire love story shot entirely in the director's signature long-take style. Jackson Yee delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying several transforming roles as he traverses these decades.

The film has already garnered considerable international attention. Janus Films, a prominent American distributor, secured the U.S. theatrical rights, with a planned release slated for 2025. In its home territory, the Chinese release commenced on November 22nd, 2025, followed by its debut in France on December 10th, 2025. Furthermore, the picture was screened at the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 23rd, 2025. Director Bi Gan has dedicated this cinematic endeavor to the future of Chinese filmmaking, aiming to create work capable of offering solace to people navigating a world characterized by constant change.