Overview of SIFF YOUNG

SIFF YOUNG was initiated in 2021. Guided by Shanghai Film Bureau and undertaken by SIFF, this program aims to discover outstanding young directors, producers, and screenwriters from Chinese cinema.

Leveraging Shanghai’s series of policies to promote film development, and building on the SIFF’s platform and its “6+1” progressive talent nurturing scheme, the program provides emerging filmmakers with “The Ultimate Pass” to connect them with global cinematic resources across the industry.

This year marks the fifth edition of SIFF YOUNG × Shanghai Young Filmmakers Support Program. After five years of dedicated development—from initial exploration to a mature system—SIFF YOUNG has established a comprehensive achievement matrix spanning talent incubation, film production, industry implementation, and international awards. To date, the program has supported 29 young filmmakers and is hailed as the “premier incubator for new talent in the Chinese film industry.”

In recent years, selected filmmakers of SIFF YOUNG have launched many well-marketed and acclaimed films, such as Big World, Herstory, Escape From The Outland. Meanwhile, several films currently in development—such as Once Upon A Time in the Middle East,  and Journey To The West: Double Wukongs—have also received program support, and are expected to inject fresh vitality into the Chinese film market.