Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates preservation of Chinese films at Shanghai festival

EVENT Jaeger-LeCoultre for Shanghai International Film Festival Gala

WHERE Shanghai Film Museum, Shanghai

HAPPENINGS: Long-time film patron Swiss luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre threw a stellar soiree to celebrate the opening of the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival. The heritage venue was reworked to accommodate more than 300 guests. Craftsmen from the veteran watchmaker and the CEO, Daniel Riedo, flew in for demonstrations and Jaeger-LeCoultre's classic models were on display.

Guests including actress-turned-filmmaker Zhao Wei, French filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud, and mainland stars the likes of Feng Shaofeng and Dong Xuan attended the gala, and celebrities flew in from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The party pack celebrated the preservation of Chinese film culture. Since 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre has partnered with experts in Shanghai to restore Chinese cinema classics. Nine titles have been successfully restored so far, including The Spring River Flows East.

During the gala reception, watches, including a unique Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Unique Travel Time with "SIFF 2014" engraved on the watchcase, and lots donated by patrons were auctioned in support of the restoration of Chinese films and to promote awareness of Chinese cinema development.

CHIC CHAT with John Woo

Why is it important to restore classic Chinese films?
Restoring classic Chinese films helps to maintain their heritage.

The project will be restoring your 1986 film A Better Tomorrow. How does this make you feel?
It's a film [that] has given me so many beautiful memories.