2026-05-15

2026 Shanghai International Film & TV Festival Holds Press Conference in Beijing

As a premier cultural hallmark of Shanghai and a flagship brand of China’s film and television industry, the Shanghai International Film & TV Festival (SIFF & STVF) returns as scheduled to unveil a new wave of cinematic and television excellence. In March this year, the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) announced its latest list of accredited “A”-list film festivals. The Shanghai International Film Festival once again retained its distinction as China’s sole “A”-list festival, recognized for its professionalism, international outlook, industry leadership, and public engagement. Standing at this new summit, the SIFF & STVF now faces a contemporary mandate: to transform its prestige and influence into a spotlight for talent and a catalyst for industry-wide growth.

On May 15, the 2026 SIFF & STVF held a press conference in Beijing. Guided by the China Film Administration and hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) will take place from June 12 to 21. Hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), CMG, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the 31st Shanghai TV Festival (STVF) will be held from June 22 to 26.

Attending the press conference were Fang Shizhong, Executive Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the SIFF & STVF Organizing Committee; Feng Shengyong, Director-General of the TV Drama Department of the NRTA and Vice Chairman of the STVF Organizing Committee; Wang Lu, Director of the Film and Television Translation & Production Center of CMG and Member of the SIFF & STVF Organizing Committee; and Luo Yi, First-Level Inspector of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and Member and Deputy Secretary-General of the STVF Organizing Committee. At the event, the guests announced the jury members for the Golden Goblet Awards and the Magnolia Awards, unveiled the official posters and promotional videos, and introduced the general preparations centered on fulfilling a new mandate, shaping a new horizon, and presenting a renewed image. The press conference was moderated by Chen Guo, Managing Director of Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center and Deputy Secretary-General of the SIFF & STVF Organizing Committee.

Building on Foundations, Reaching Across Borders:

The Golden Goblet Awards Gain Global Recognition as “Shanghai Premiere” Becomes the Preferred Choice of International Filmmakers

Shanghai’s cultural heritage and humanistic spirit provide the city with the confidence to welcome the world and embrace global exchange. They also form the bedrock upon which the Festival continues to elevate its global identity. The 28th SIFF received approximately 4,100 film submissions from 125 countries and regions, setting a new historical record. Notably, it expanded its reach with first-time submissions from nations such as Ghana and Mozambique. Of these entries, around 3,000 films meet the criteria for competition, and an impressive 82% are world or international premieres. Increasingly, a “Shanghai Premiere” has become the preferred choice for filmmakers from both China and around the world.

Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai will be President of the Main Competition Jury for the Golden Goblet Awards, while Singaporean director, producer, and screenwriter Anthony Chen will chair the Asian New Talent section. The jury comprises 21 members from 16 countries and regions, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and Tunisia. The broad geographical representation echoes the diversity of global film cultures and ensures a judging process grounded in international vision and cultural inclusivity. By steadily expanding its collaborative network, the Festival remains true to its roots while embracing innovation, hoping to showcase the latest achievements and evolving landscape of global filmmaking, and fostering deeper, more substantive international cultural exchange.

The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, initiated by the SIFF, now includes 57 partners from 50 countries. This year, the Alliance is prioritizing collaboration with organizations including the Royal Film Commission – Jordan to further expand its network. During the Festival, the Belt and Road Film Week, as part of the Alliance framework, will promote cultural exchange between China and Arab countries through a series of activities, including the The Belt and Road Film Week — Arabian Souk & Culture Market. In line with key diplomatic milestones, this year’s Festival will also mark the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations through an “Egyptian Film Week,” jointly presented with CMG. The program will feature masterpieces by Youssef Chahine, widely regarded as the “father of Egyptian cinema,” alongside outstanding contemporary Egyptian films. In celebration of the China-Brazil Year of Culture, the Festival will also present a “Focus Brazil” screening event highlighting the diversity of contemporary Brazilian society; meanwhile, the International Film & TV Market will kick off with an “Opening Ceremony of International Film & TV Market: Brazil Night” to foster closer collaboration and industry ties between the two nations.

As one of the world’s most extensive international film showcases, the SIFF continues to offer a high-quality, diverse, and grand-scale screening program tailored to the varied needs of audiences. It has thus become a premier platform for the introduction, distribution, and word-of-mouth building of new international films.

This year, the SIFF will present more than 420 international films across over 1,500 screenings, organized into a variety of thematic sections. Building on in-depth explorations of film history, it will launch several retrospectives, including tributes to Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe and a 90th-birthday celebration of British director Ken Loach. The “In Memory Of” section will screen representative works by legendary Chinese artists such as Sang Hu, Huang Zuolin, and Shen Yaoting. A special Chinese-language program titled “Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China” will feature around 15 classic and new films that showcase the geographical and cultural diversity of China, connecting cinematic storytelling with the country’s iconic travel destinations and ethnic traditions. The Festival’s programming also keeps pace with the forefront of cinematic technology. Alongside premium-format screenings like IMAX and Dolby, this year’s lineup will feature selections such as Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classics and the sci-fi animation trilogy of acclaimed French animator René Laloux. The Festival will also continue spotlighting outstanding sci-fi productions and films incorporating AI technologies worldwide. The new releases sections promise equal excitement. Popular strands including “New From Auteur,” “Viva La Festival,” “Cannes Express,” and “SIFF Gala” will continue to bring together some of the most influential new films from around the world.

The official poster for the 28th SIFF, themed “Lights, Camera, Stories,” continues the dialogue between the city and cinema. The Festival’s promotional film, Step into the story, is conceived as an invitation to find the traces of film in life and the possibilities of life in film. The short film is directed by emerging filmmaker Wang Tong, winner of the Jury Grand Prix at last year’s Main Competition of the Golden Goblet Awards, and stars Huang Bo and Wan Qian.

Uniting Creative Excellence, Charting the Future:

The Magnolia Awards Set the Industry Benchmark and Foster Cross-Cultural Exchange

The 31st STVF received more than 1,000 submissions from 60 countries and regions across five continents—an increase of 39.5% compared with last year’s 43 participating countries and regions. Growth in submissions from Asia and South America was particularly striking. In the foreign TV drama category alone, the number of submitted works rose from 142 in 2025 to 184 this year, with participating countries increasing from 28 to 37. In addition to European production powerhouses, the Festival saw enthusiastic participation from Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and many other countries. The geographical distribution of participating productions has shifted from a Europe-centric concentration toward a more balanced presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, further underscoring the global reach and diversity of the Magnolia Awards.

Chinese director Zhang Yongxin will chair the jury for the TV Drama category at this year’s Magnolia Awards. The jury comprises 15 members from seven countries, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Ireland, and Malaysia. The selection committee for Chinese TV dramas demonstrates both professional discernment and strong industry engagement, with its core members drawn from a distinguished group of creators and producers actively working on the front line.

Notably, the Magnolia Awards this year have expanded and upgraded their international network of selectors. While maintaining solid partnerships with experienced selectors from Europe and North America, the Festival has also strategically brought in professionals from regions including the Middle East and Latin America. The inclusion of more multicultural perspectives is expected to broaden both the selection scope and the vision of the Awards and further enhance the international character and diversity of entries.

To celebrate the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, this year’s STVF will feature a special screening of the 1976 Brazilian TV drama Escrava Isaura (Isaura: Slave Girl). Lucélia Santos, the actress whose portrayal of Isaura was deeply beloved by Chinese audiences, will also attend the Festival for cultural exchange, using this classic production as a bridge to foster deeper people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The official poster for the 31st STVF is themed “Blooming Futures.” With the white magnolia as its central motif, the design reimagines tradition through a contemporary lens. The Festival’s grand finale, the Magnolia Awards Ceremony, will take place on the evening of June 26 in the Lingang Special Area.

Empowering Emerging Talent, Breaking New Ground:

"Three-Pillar Talent Development and 'Young Talents gathering day' Empower Emerging Stars"

Over the years, the SIFF has remained committed to its founding vision of “Asia, Chinese films, and New Talents.” Through this long-term commitment, it has steadily cultivated a distinctive competitive edge, with supporting newcomers becoming one of its most defining hallmarks and core values. By continuously refining and upgrading its support mechanisms, the Festival has established a talent development model driven by three pillars: industry platforms, professional awards, and international tours. In 2026, the SIFF & STVF will further strengthen its efforts to help emerging forces grow into the mainstay of the industry.

Focused on short-form filmmaking, the SIFF ING program will launch its first-ever Mobile Filmmaking Camp, aimed at discovering a new generation of creators skilled in mobile visual storytelling. Widely recognized as one of China’s most mature film incubation platforms, the SIFF NEXT will, for the first time, combine industry-oriented training with public engagement. By supporting promising filmmakers and projects while also opening workshops for film enthusiasts, it intends to allow cinematic dreams to bloom in broader creative communities. Meanwhile, the SIFF YOUNG marks its fifth edition this year and will focus for the first time on recommending talent in commercial filmmaking, further strengthening its role as a premier incubator for new talent in the Chinese film industry.

Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Film Tour and “World Express,” the SIFF has, since last year, helped bring more than 20 outstanding Chinese films—including Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts, Water Can Go Anywhere, and As The Water Flows—to overseas audiences. Many of these films excelled or even won awards in various competition sections for the Golden Goblet Awards. This year, the Festival will further amplify its support for international screenings of outstanding works by young filmmakers, ensuring that “Discovered in Shanghai” leads to “Seen by the World.”

Besides its year-round exchange mechanisms, the Festival will also leverage the high-intensity exposure during the event period to create more opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent. Under the theme “Converge, Discover, Lead,” the SIFFORUM will provide a broader platform for young filmmakers to highlight the Chinese spirit and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue.

The profound transformations reshaping the broadcasting, television, and online audiovisual industries in the internet era have brought both challenges and reflection to the sector, while also leading to notable shifts in this year’s STVF submissions. In 2023, the Magnolia Awards opened all categories to online content for the first time. Since then, submissions of streaming originals have surged dramatically. This year, streaming-first titles account for roughly one quarter of all submissions in the Chinese TV drama category. As the industry ecosystem undergoes rapid transformation and upgrading, higher demands are placed on creative thinking and storytelling, calling for young talent to step up as the backbone of creation.

In response, this year’s Festival is launching its inaugural “Young Talents gathering day,” designed to provide the next generation of audiovisual talent with platforms for visibility and professional growth through a matrix of industry activities. The program will feature a full day of events tailored for young creators, including a roundtable forum exploring narrative techniques for long-form and mid-length dramas; an open-mic session encouraging candid discussion and exchange; and two workshops that approaches industry topics through case studies and practical insights.

Highlighting Technological Innovation and Industry Transformation:

Empowering “Cinema+” Integration and Steering Micro-Dramas Toward Premium Storytelling

Cutting-edge technologies are bringing sweeping transformation to the film and television industry. This year’s SIFF & STVF places a strong focus on emerging technological trends in screen storytelling, aiming to foster two-way empowerment between cinematic art and digital intelligence while building a Shanghai model for the digital transformation and upgrading of the film and television industry.

Advancing Creative Exploration in “Cinema + AI”. This year, the SIFF has partnered with Hailuo AI to launch a new unit named “AI Backlot,” pioneering a collaborative model that brings together “Film Creators + AI Super Creators.” The initiative directly responds to the profound shifts AI brings to creative production, industrial workflows, and talent structures. The program has already attracted around 500 applicants, with creators born in the 1990s and 2000s accounting for more than 60%. By placing AI-driven creation into real-world production environments, the initiative invites participants to observe and record the entire creative process from team collaboration to key decision-making, capturing authentic and practical production experience. The aim is to generate valuable case studies for exploring how AI can empower the transformation of the film and television industry. Following preliminary reviews, 11 AI super creators and 11 film creators gathered two days ago in Lingang New Area, widely known as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” where they have begun collaborative production under the guidance of an expert supervisory panel and an academic observation team.

Building a Showcase Platform for “Cinema + Technology”. On the SIFF’s opening day, a launch ceremony for the Technology Creation and Fabrication Unit will unveil a series of initiatives and featured events promoting the integration of cinema and technology. The event will also spotlight the breakthroughs of the Shanghai High-tech Films and Television City in high-end production and frontier applications. Meanwhile, the Festival’s Sci-Fi Film unit will collaborate with the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum to leverage the unique strengths of screen storytelling in popularizing science and promoting scientific spirit, while also expanding diverse pathways for urban arts education.

Creating “Cinema + VR” Immersive Spaces. In collaboration with the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Jing’an District, this year’s SIFF will launch a series of special programs, including seated VR cinematic screenings and large walk-through experiences. The “All Premieres” programming will showcase the latest explorations in VR narrative, audiovisual language, and technological application. By pushing the boundaries of visual expression through immersive creation, the Festival aims to encourage the development of VR works distinguished by intellectual depth, artistic sophistication, and technological innovation, steadily advancing the VR film industry toward standardized and large-scale growth.

Establishing a New Hub for Micro-Dramas through “Events + Recognition”. Turning its focus to the micro-drama industry, this year’s STVF will launch initiatives including “Multiverse Micro-Drama Project,” industry forums, and networking sessions to guide micro-dramas beyond simple traffic-driven products toward high-quality cultural content, accelerating the evolution of this burgeoning format from a viral phenomenon into a mature creative industry.

This year’s Micro-Drama Project will guided by the principle of “rooted in everyday life, aiming for artistic excellence,” the program will prioritize works with broad audience resonance. Evaluation will focus on four dimensions: core values, storytelling and creativity, production and audiovisuals, and audience reception. By excavating outstanding micro-dramas that combine thematic depth, emotional warmth, and contemporary relevance, the STVF seeks to steer the industry toward premium, high-quality development and enhance the international reach and cultural impact of Chinese micro-dramas. The STVFORUM will also host a session themed “Riding the AI Wave: The Path To Exquisite Micro-Dramas,” exploring how emerging technologies can empower premium production. A curated showcase of innovative case studies will further examine how AI-driven micro-dramas can evolve from mass production into an era defined by artistic quality.

Unleashing the Full Potential of the Film Economy:

Extended Screenings Sustain Artistic Warmth, While Immersive Citywide Celebration Boosts Consumer Vitality

In 2026, the growth of the film economy takes center stage. Leveraging its status as a top-tier cultural icon in Shanghai and China, the Festival will direct filmgoing audiences into commercial districts and neighborhoods, further integrating culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions. By extending the event cycle, expanding consumption scenarios, and reaching broader audiences, the Festival aims to amplify and maximize the impact of cinema.

Extending Time: A Longer Celebration of Cinema. This year, the SIFF & STVF will present an extended screening campaign, running from June 12 to June 28. For one additional week following the close of the SIFF, audiences will be able to revisit Golden Goblet Award winners and other audience favorites through a special encore screening program. The official screening schedule will be released on June 2, with ticket sales starting June 5 on the Taopiaopiao platform. This year will also see the launch of “blind box” ticket packages featuring award-winning films from all five Golden Goblet competition categories, alongside hidden selections of previous winners—bringing a playful, trend-driven twist to the viewing experience for devoted fans. In addition, the Stellar Splendor & Urban Pulse: Shanghai International Film & TV Festival Special Exhibition will open on May 20. The exhibition features more than 500 rare physical artifacts and historical archives, combined with AI-powered digital technologies and interactive installations, for a two-month immersive journey through cinematic memory.

Expanding Space: More Immersive Settings for Connection. The Festival will continue its partnership with Xiaohongshu (RED) to host more than 100 meet-and-greet events, while extending post-screening Q&A sessions for popular films. A newly introduced “SIFF Salon” section will further transform interactions between the crew and audiences from traditional stage-and-seat exchanges into face-to-face dialogues. These interactions will also expand from theater into various “urban living room” spaces across the city, allowing audiences to engage more closely with filmmakers and immerse themselves in the vibrant cinematic atmosphere of Shanghai—the “City of Cinema.”

Expanding Experiences: Reimagined Festival Lifestyles Across the City. Through deeper synergy across culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions, the SIFF will present a “Five Senses of the City” experience that brings greater cultural depth to public programming and warmth to consumer experiences. First comes a “sense of discovery.” In collaboration with trendy cultural destinations including the Wukang-Anfu film district, Xinhua Road’s Xingfuli neighborhood, and Grand Yuyuan, the Festival will introduce themed installations and co-branded citywalk routes. Partnerships with Trip.com and DiDi will also help perfect visitors’ first cinematic impressions of China. Second is a “sense of ritual.” The debut of the SIFF Passport encourages a lifestyle of moviegoing, citywalk, stamp collecting, and interactive participation. Third is a “sense of technology.” Together with Songjiang District and Shanghai Film Group, the Festival will launch the Technology Creation and Fabrication Unit, inviting audiences and residents into film industry parks for an up-close look at modern screen production. There is also a “sense of flavor.” In partnership with Meituan, the Festival will explore new late-night dining and social experiences inspired by post-screening culture, while a Belt and Road lifestyle market in Pudong will feature Arab cultural performances and Dragon Boat Festival folk activities. Finally, a “sense of culture.” Collaborations with content platforms such as Bilibili and Xiaoyuzhou (Little Universe) will bring together passionate communities through a shared love of cinema.

This year’s Magnolia International TV Showcase aims to further expand the reach and effectiveness of public cultural services. While upholding the public’s fundamental right to cultural engagement, the initiative will also amplify the Magnolia Awards’ brand influence and international visibility.

The TV showcase will feature a curated selection of submissions and shortlisted programs from this year’s Magnolia Awards, alongside acclaimed productions with widespread international impact. In collaboration with SMG’s satellite and terrestrial channels, the Festival will broadcast exceptional TV works from around the world, including the latest overseas drama series, documentaries, and animated productions.

The Offline Public Screening is meticulously designed around a “3+3” thematic framework tailored to diverse audiences. The three core thematic sections are “Joyful Childhood” for family audiences, “Dazzling Planet” centered on nature, and “A Different Life” highlighting science and the humanities, alongside special units including a China-Brazil Year of Culture section, a special collaboration with Hasbro, and a “Asia and Africa showcase. To further increase both accessibility and professional depth, these public screenings will be paired with filmmaker meet-and-greets and other special events for enhanced audience engagement and cinematic appreciation. These activities are designed to offer audiences the opportunity to connect directly with creators, gain professional insight, and have a deeper understanding of art—bringing high-quality culture closer to everyday urban life while ensuring the Festival delivers both emotional resonance and artistic depth.

For four decades, the Shanghai TV Festival has embraced a people-centered vision of culture and the city—combining prestigious, star-studded awards ceremonies with community-focused public screenings that bring outstanding programs into everyday urban life. From an industry gathering to a public celebration, and from professional awards recognition to broad cultural accessibility, the Shanghai TV Festival stands as a vivid demonstration of its enduring commitment to the “People’s City” philosophy.

Appendix:

Jury for the Golden Goblet Awards of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival

(Listed in alphabetical order by surname)

Main Competition

Jury President: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Actor | Hong Kong, China

Jury:

Dora Bouchoucha, Producer | Tunisia

Guan Hu, Director | China

Aktan Arym Kubat, Director | Kyrgyzstan

Déa Kulumbegashvili, Director, Screenwriter | Georgia

Fernanda Valadez, Scriptwriter, Director, Producer | Mexico

Xin Zhilei, Actress | China