Radiant Evening in Cannes: “Bright Oriental” Gala Unites Cultures Beneath a Golden Sky
- PARLIAMENT NEWS
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By Rebeca Riofrio
After a day of dramatic thunderstorms sweeping through the Riviera, the skies above Cannes transformed in the late afternoon into a glowing canvas of gold—ushering in an unforgettable evening at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival. On 20 May 2025, I had the honour of attending the third edition of the Bright Oriental Global Gala & APECCCF Cannes Night—an opulent celebration of Eastern creativity, cross-cultural collaboration, and artistic diplomacy—held at the splendid Barrière Le Majestic Cannes.
It was a privilege to be personally invited by the remarkable Wenjing Wu—the visionary organiser behind this spectacular event. Her dedication and masterful orchestration brought together a constellation of global talents and dignitaries, creating an atmosphere of grace, excellence, and inspiration.
Accompanied by my partner Elvijs Plugis, and in the gracious company of visionaries such as Dr Olga Roh and Olga Balakleets, the evening offered more than glamour—it was a poetic convergence of tradition and innovation, East and West, wrapped in the vibrant language of art, fashion, film, and sustainability.
Under the luminous Côte d'Azur sky, the Bright Oriental Gala presented a masterclass in storytelling through cultural experience. This year’s theme, centred on strengthening Sino-French ties, unfolded across an interdisciplinary programme fusing haute couture, cinematic discourse, visual art, and entrepreneurial excellence. It was not merely a gala—it was a dialogue, an invitation to explore the deeper narratives brands can convey when rooted in cultural legacy.
Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Kisrane, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Department Council; Mr. Chikli, Representative of the Mayor of Cannes; Mr. Rocha, President of the Miss Universe Organization; and Mr. Navarro from Galeries Lafayette Cannes. Their presence, alongside celebrated directors, investors, and cultural influencers, affirmed the gala’s growing stature as a global platform for meaningful East-West collaboration.
Designer Mary Hu’s LGO collection, Symbiotic Realm, captured the essence of balance between humanity and nature—a meditation rendered in silk and thread. Equally captivating was the vivid and soul-stirring art exhibition by French contemporary artist Véronique Faravel, whose canvases whispered messages of hope and quiet resilience.
An atmosphere of reverence unfolded during the awards presentation. The elegant and inspiring Dr Olga Roh received the Gardenia Peace Award for her pioneering work through her Swiss fashion house, Rohmir. The Gardenia Excellence Award was bestowed upon the majestic host venue itself, Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, while the YIXIU Fashion Awards recognised the brilliance of beauty influencer Ms. Contreras and the skincare brand LALAFLOWER.
The evening was further enriched by the unwavering support of Galeries Lafayette Cannes—a treasured symbol of French elegance and sustainability—whose collaboration with Bright Oriental underscored the shared commitment to cultural longevity. Additional partners included innovative biotech firm Pujianchen, violinist Wei Mao, and a constellation of creatives whose talents illuminated the night.
Media coverage by outlets such as Qatar Media TV, Dubai Media TV, Saudi Yacht Com, and Emirates Magazine magnified the global resonance of this initiative, ensuring its ripple effects reached far beyond the Croisette.
The storm may have cleared by sundown, but the energy of the evening was electric—resplendent with possibility. With eyes already turning towards the 79th edition in 2026, Bright Oriental continues its inspired mission to weave commerce and culture into one seamless tapestry, connecting continents, ideas, and hearts.
For partnership and further information, I invite you to follow their official channels:Instagram: @apecccfLinkedIn: @APECCCF
Photo by Laurent Benhamou
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