Professor Marco Muller (C) at the 2023 Presentation Ceremony of Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award. [Photo/WeChat ID: ShangDaFaBu]

Shanghai recently presented its annual Magnolia Silver Awards to 50 outstanding foreigners from 15 countries in recognition of their contributions to the city's development and international exchanges.

Among the recipients was Professor Marco Muller from Italy, the artistic director of the Film Art Research Centre at Shanghai University. He is the university's 11th foreign expert to receive this prestigious honor.

During an interview with China Daily, Muller shared his love for Shanghai and its vibrant culture, and pledged to continue advocating for greater global recognition of Chinese films.

Muller is a renowned film curator and historian and is known as the "first person to introduce Chinese cinema to the world". In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the "China-Italy Friendship Contribution Award" in 2010.

Muller's dedication to Chinese cinema has extended beyond film curation. He has organized exhibitions, served as a jury member at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and taught courses at Shanghai University.