Shanghai’s role in shaping Chinese film sector championed in forum keynote

Shanghai’s strategic role in shaping the future of Chinese cinema was the theme of a powerful keynote address at the opening forum of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival’s SIFForum series on June 15. 

Liu Yina, director of the film division of the local publicity authority, emphasized the city’s commitment to the sector in her address to the forward-looking industry forum attended by leading voices from China’s film sector. 

Liu began by reflecting on the remarkable progress made since the launch of Shanghai’s three-year film development action plan. “Good films hold infinite possibilities,” she declared, highlighting the success of locally produced films like "Her Story," which not only performed well in national box office charts but also earned critical acclaim.

The film, described as “a love letter to Shanghai,” was supported through the city’s comprehensive production service system, including location coordination, publicity planning, and grassroots audience outreach. 

Last year, Shanghai-produced films accounted for one-fifth of the total domestic box office. Several of them went on to win prestigious awards, including in China's Huabiao Film Awards and Golden Rooster Awards. Liu credited this momentum to a growing ecosystem of talent, innovation, and policy support. 

To further sustain this growth, Liu announced that Shanghai had established a key project library offering end-to-end support across development, production, and release. Upcoming films by acclaimed directors like Peter Chan and Han Han were set to bolster this trajectory, she said, as was a wave of animated and youth-focused titles aimed at summer audiences. 

Liu also emphasized the strength of Shanghai’s movie infrastructure, which includes over 2,200 screens and world-class cinema technologies. In 2024, the city’s total box office reached 2.51 billion yuan (US$349.8 million), making it the top-grossing city in China. 

“Every theater and every screen is a stage for the vibrancy of cinema,” she said, noting new local initiatives like the first Shanghai Movie Fans Festival and revolutionary-film-themed community cinemas. 

Liu highlighted the city’s audience engagement strategies, including nearly 300 premiere events and roadshows held in cooperation with major ticketing platforms. A standout example was a film premiere at Shanghai Film Art Center that broke the city’s single-screen box office record with 580,000 yuan in one evening, she said. 

Another key theme of her opening speech was the nurturing of next generation filmmakers, for example the Spring Bud Screenwriting Initiative which cultivates young talent through mentorship. 

A newly inaugurated talent base is also helping international filmmakers returning to China to integrate into the local industry. 

“Shanghai is not just building a movie city—it’s building a cultural landmark that empowers creators, inspires audiences, and elevates civic life,” Liu concluded. 

With over 500 special screenings planned citywide, she said the film festival aims to transform from an elite cinematic event into a true cultural celebration for all.