2026-06-11

2026 SIFFOURM AGENDA

SIFFORUM, dedicated to enhancing artistic quality, driving industrial development, and fostering cross-sector growth across every stage of the filmmaking ecosystem. Recognized for its strong industry relevance, professional depth, and forward-looking vision, the Forum serves as a leading platform for film professionals to stay attuned to emerging trends and evolving dynamics within the global film industry. Bringing together top industry leaders, creators, and innovators, the Forum hosts in-depth discussions spanning market trends, film production, cutting-edge technologies, talent incubation, education, and cross-cultural exchange. It aims to strengthen dialogue within China’s film industry while also building a high-level bridge for international cultural communication. In addition, SIFF in Conversation invites prominent filmmakers from China and around the world to share their creative philosophies, artistic approaches, and professional insights, celebrating the enduring power and evolving language of cinema.

Smart Tech, Immersive Worlds: The Next Film Revolution

Time: June 12th, 2026 (Friday) 11:00-12:30

Venue: SFP Hope Smart Media Park

The global film industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by the convergence of AI, VP, VR technologies. AI-Generated Content (AIGC) is reshaping creative workflows from story development to post-production, while Virtual Production (VP) and Virtual Reality (VR) are expanding storytelling possibilities and audience experiences in unprecedented ways. Together, these technologies are redefining film production, cinematic language, and the industry ecosystem.

This forum will bring together industry leaders, filmmakers, and technology innovators to discuss strategic collaboration, workflow transformation, and ecosystem development. Focusing on the integration of AI and immersive technologies, the forum aims to explore how technological innovation can drive the upgrading of the film industry, strengthen cultural influence, and support the development of a sustainable and globally competitive future cinema ecosystem.

Moderator：JIN Tao | Host, Shanghai Media Group

Guest Speakers:

GONG Bo | Director, China Research Institute of Film Science and Technology (Test Institute of Film Technology and Quality)

HUANG Jianxin | Director, Screenwriter,Executive Producer;Dean, School of Film, Xiamen University; President, Beijing Film Association

LI Tingwei | Deputy General Manager of Bauhinia Films (Shenzhen)

LI Zao | Deputy General Manager, Shanghai Film Co., Ltd.; General Manager,Film Infinity(Shanghai)Culture and Technology Development Co., Ltd.

ATA | Deputy General Manager, Production Division, Bona Film Group; Head of AIGMS Production Center, Bona Film Group

YAN Yijun | MiniMax VP

Nina Zheng | Deputy General Manager and Spokesperson of ASUS China Business Headquarters

Main Forum：Converge, Discover, Lead——Fostering the New Power of Cinema

Time: June 14th, 2026 (Sunday) 9:30-12:00

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

In response to profound shifts within the film industry, this main forum provides an open and constructive platform for international dialogue. First, bringing together leaders from the world's top film festivals to discuss how talent incubation can reshape organizations—strategically elevating festivals from traditional cultural platforms into true industry engines. Second, gathering industry leaders, established filmmakers, and rising talents to systematically unpacks China's unique cinematic practices. The panel will discuss how industry-wide collaboration can strengthen local ecosystems, cultivate professional talent, and build global networks, ultimately providing future storytellers with the long-term resources and support they need to thrive.

The event will also feature the award ceremony of the SIFF YOUNG × Shanghai Filmmakers Support Program, recognizing nine outstanding young filmmakers selected for this year’s edition. Following the ceremony, a roundtable discussion titled “Young Filmmakers: Defining a Generation, Shaping the Industry’s Future” will bring together leading industry professionals to explore the evolving landscape of film industry. Drawing on the achievements of the support program and the realities emerging talent facing today, the roundtable will examine the role of a new generation of filmmakers within the industry.

Moderator: Andrew Liang | Actor, Host

Guest Speakers:

CHEN Guo | Managing Director of the Shanghai International Film & TV Events Center

Yedda CHEN | Chairperson & President of Ruyi Film and Entertainment Co., Ltd.

DONG Runnian | Director, Screenwriter

LI Jie | President of Damai Entertainment

Albert Lee | Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society

LIU Yina | Director of the Film Division, Publicity Department of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee

Cameron Bailey | Chief Executive Officer of Toronto International Film Festival

Tricia Tuttle | Festival Director, Berlin International Film Festival

WANG Jun | Party Committee Secretary and Chairperson of the Board of Shanghai Film Group

WEN Muye | Director, Screenwriter, Producer

Janet Yang | Producer; President, Janet Yang Productions

Filmmaking and Spectatorship in the New Audio-Visual Era

Time: June 14th, 2026 (Sunday) 14:00-15:30

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

Co-organizer: HuaXia Film

Traditional cinemas currently face severe challenges due to shifting demographics and audience fragmentation caused by various media channels. Yet, in stark contrast, box office revenue from premium large-format (PLF) and special-format theaters has reached an all-time high. This counterintuitive data suggests that audiences haven't given up on the cinema; rather, they are holding out for a truly immersive, next-level experience. This forum will focus on the next generation of cinema driven by emerging audiovisual technologies. Taking a creator-centric approach, we will examine how diverse release formats are revolutionizing both pre- and post-production workflows. From a technological standpoint, we will explore how future innovations are poised to reshape the viewing experience. From an academic perspective, we will weigh the balance between technological innovation and artistic expression. Finally, we will address how talent development and training programs must adapt to keep pace with these industry transformations.

Moderator: WANG Yin｜SMG Host

Guest Speakers:

LIU Ge | Assistant President and General Manager, Distribution Department, Bona Film Group

LEI Zaixing | Professor, Department of Photography, Beijing Film Academy; Secretary-General, China Society of Cinematographer

Hank Xiao | Senior Director, Audio&Video Industry Development Department, Huawei

XIE Minghe | General Manager, Huaxia Leyard (Beijing) Film Technology Co., Ltd.

YU Zhou | Co-founder of Light Chaser Animation Studios

Hong Kong Cinema: A Legacy in Succession

Time: June 15th, 2026 (Monday) 13:30-15:00

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

Co-organizer: Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong Film Development Council

Led by veteran filmmakers Derek Yee and Stephen Fung, this forum brings together a new wave of Hong Kong directors and actors for an in‑depth conversation on filmmaking experience and industry challenges. Focusing on the passing of the torch in Hong Kong cinema, the discussion highlights how tradition and innovation continue to shape its vibrant momentum. The forum will also introduce the role of the Hong Kong Film Development Fund in empowering emerging talents through diverse funding schemes.

Moderator: HE Sinong | Beijing Radio & Television Station Host

Guest Speakers:

Yukki Tai｜Actor

Derek Yee | Renowned Director, Producer, and Actor

Stephen Fung | Renowned Actor, Director, and Producer

Kwok Ka Hei | Director

Wu Chui Yi | Director

Wong Hoi | Director

Norris Wong | Director

Lau Ho Leung | Director, and Producer

Jack Lee | Director

Keane Wong | Director

Catherine Chau | Actress

Nick Cheuk | Director

Kering—Creativity in Motion

Time: June 15th, 2026 (Monday) 14:00-15:30

Venue: Theatre 1, Cathay Theatre,

Co- Creation Partner: Kering Women in Motion

Language: Chinese, English (Simultaneous Chinese-English interpretation available)

In today’s constantly evolving global film industry, filmmakers are increasingly refusing to be defined by a single role or identity. Instead, they are engaging with filmmaking and the industry ecosystem in more open, multifaceted ways. This forum brings together four female filmmakers from different generations, who are actively working across producing, directing, editing, and acting. Navigating different regions, identities, and creative contexts, these panelists will engage in an intergenerational dialogue centered on the idea of “fluid boundaries.” Together, they will explore how their experiences of crossing these boundaries—and the courage required to do so—become a source of creative energy and artistic expression.

Moderator: Andrew Liang | Actor, Host

Guest Speakers:

Dora Bouchoucha | Producer

Carla Gutiérrez | Director, Editor

Rebecca Li | Actress

Cecilia Yip | Actress

SIFF in Conversation: Cultural Value and Future Possibilities of Animation

Time: June 16th, 2026 (Tuesday) 10:30-12:00

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

As AI-driven content and digital technology reshape the global cinematic landscape, animation—at once cinema’s oldest and most visionary form—is undergoing a profound transformation. This forum brings together three pioneering creators from distinct cultural backgrounds and artistic lineages: a British master of Claymation, a key figure leading the digital guofeng (traditional Chinese style) aesthetics, and an Indian craftsperson devoted to hand-painted, frame-by-frame animation. Moving beyond a purely technical discussion, there filmmakers will engage in a critical conversation about animation as an essential creative force. Together, they will explore a central theme: as technological barriers dissolve, how can filmmakers create emotional resonance through cultural narratives and distinctive aesthetic choices?

Moderator: YANG Yang | Associate Director, Broadway Cinematheque

Guest Speakers:

Will Becher | Director, Animator

Gitanjali Rao | Director, Screenwriter, Actress

YU Shui | Director, Screenwriter

Belt and Road—Navigating New Regional Opportunities

Time: June 17th, 2026 (Wednesday) 11:00-12:30

Venue: Shendi Center, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Following years of rapid growth, the Chinese film industry has steadily matured across international financing, production, and global distribution. In today’s increasingly multipolar world, looking at the global market is no longer enough; we must also revitalize regional ties and deepen cross-border connectivity and collaboration.The cross-cultural advantages of Hong Kong and Macau, combined with the progressive policy foundations of reform hubs like Shanghai Pudong and the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, are uniquely positioned to drive the industry's next high-quality transformation and unlock new opportunities. Building upon experience of SIFF’s "Belt and Road" Film Week, this forum will feature in-depth dialogues with industry leaders. Together, we will examine the potential of regional policies and share successful case studies of co-productions and shared storytelling born from closely connected cultural networks.

Moderator: SHI Chuan | Professor, Shanghai Theater Academy

Guest Speakers:

Ethan Tang｜Founder, The Multiverse Project

Mohannad Bakri | Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission- Jordan

XIE Meng | Founder of Rediance, Producer

YAN Peng | Vice President of HUAXIA Film Distribution Co., Ltd.

Cultural Roots, Localized Narratives, and Emotional Resonance in Contemporary Chinese Cinema

Time: June 19th, 2026 (Friday) 10:30-12:00

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

Language: Chinese (Simultaneous Chinese-English interpretation available)

Amid the rapid change of the global film industry, the Chinese cinema market is undergoing a profound transformation. On one hand, blockbusters continue to push the frontiers of cinematic spectacle with cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, a rising wave of mid-and-low-budget features is carving out a vibrant new market—relying on deeply resonant storytelling and cultural authenticity rather than massive production scale.

As one of this year’s defining breakouts, Dear You successfully suprised the market by tapping into the cultural roots of the Chaoshan region with rare emotional sincerity. The film goes beyond capturing generational family memories through a raw, lived-in cinematic lens; it also utilized a highly strategic, tiered distribution campaign to break past regional barriers, turning a deeply localized story into a nationwide emotional phenomenon and a box-office triumph.

This panel brings together the director, industry strategists behind Dear You, and film critics . Using the film as a case study, our guests will explore everything from translating hyper-local culture for a global audience and directing non-professional actors, to distribution strategy. Together, we will examine how a mid-budget film can build a sustainable new pathway that balances artistic expression with commercial resilience.

Moderator: GU Xiaodong | Producer

Guest Speakers:

LAN Hongchun | Director

Muweier | Film Critic, Writer, Curator

XIE Ying | Vice President, Damai Entertainment

YU Yaqun | Veteran Journalist, Film Critic, Curator

ZHENG Xuanxuan | Executive Producer

SIFF in Conversation——When AI Learns to Create, What Grounds Cinema?

Time: June 19th, 2026 (Friday) 13:30-15:00

Venue: Jin Jue Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Shanghai

Language: Chinese (Simultaneous Chinese-English interpretation available)

One year after the success of Ne Zha 2, AI has already whipped up a massive storm across various industries worldwide. The film industry, particularly the animation sector, has also experienced a massive shock. The questions facing animation may very well be the exact same questions that the entire film industry is about to confront together: Can technology replace creativity? Does efficiency equate to imagination? When images become easier and easier to generate, how can cinema still reach real people, complex emotions, and shared contemporary experiences?

This session features an in-depth conversation between Wang Changtian, Chairman of Enlight Media, and scholar Liu Qing. Their discussion will venture into deeper philosophical reflections on modernity, technologies and human agency. Together, they aim to re-examine fundamental questions: Where do the true strengths, value, and mission of cinema lie? How can cinema safeguard human experience, emotion, and judgment amidst rapid technological disruption? And how can it continue to thrive as a vital art form—one that bridges the individual and the era, imagination and reality, and commercial industry and spiritual life?

Moderator：Andrew Liang | Actor, Host

Guest Speakers：

LIU Qing | Chinese Scholar, Philosopher

WANG Changtian | Chairman and General Manager of Beijing Enlight Media Co., Ltd

Chinese Films in Local Markets—Distribution Channels, Audiences and Marketing

Time：June 20th, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00-12:00

Venue: Forum Area, Central Hall, Shanghai Exibition Center

Drawing on distribution experiences across North America, Europe and Southeast Asia, this forum will examine the key pathways through which Chinese films reach overseas audiences, including theatrical distribution, arthouse cinema networks, streaming platforms, community screenings and festival partnerships. It will also explore how audience reception varies across different markets, particularly in relation to genre, subject matter, stars, cultural elements and promotional materials. Through case studies and practical insights, the forum will discuss how Chinese films can be positioned, packaged and marketed according to local market conditions, in order to enhance their visibility, audience reach and long-term impact in international markets.

Moderator: Pamela BAI | Beijing Hugoeast Media Co-Founder

Guest Speakers：

Esther Hau | GSC Movies Head of Distribution & Co-Production

Juan Framis | ADSO Films Head of Acquisitions, Sales

Spyros Damianakis | NEO Films Managing Director

Wang Fukun | Niu Vision Media CEO

Violet Kwan | Purple Plan Director

Global Narratives and Editing Creativity

Time: June 20th, 2026 (Saturday) 14:00-16:00

Venue: Forum Area, Central Hall, Shanghai Exibition Center

Co-organizer: China Cinema Editors Association

Editing is one of the core elements of the cinematic arts. Through the assembly of shots, it constructs the tension of time and the flow of emotion. A well-executed edit allows audiences to enter the story and connect with its characters. This forum aims to deeply explore the essential role of editors in narrative and artistic expression, and to discuss how editing transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries to establish an emotional bond with viewers. The attending editors will share how they masterfully “weave tapestry from master-grade footage” through their control of rhythm, emotion, and structure. In an era of rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and digital technology, this conversation will also reflect on the core value of editors and explore a universal audiovisual language capable of touching the hearts of global audiences.

This forum brings together seasoned editors from China, the United States, Greece, Denmark, and Argentina. Many of them have contributed to and propelled the creation of multiple award-winning films and have received the industry’s highest honors on numerous occasions. Their credits include, The Emperor and the Assassin, Oppenheimer, Marriage Story, The Sentimental Value, Poor Things, The Lobster, Sideways, and Nebraska.

Moderator: Max Yang | Producer

Guest Speakers:

Olivier Bugge Coutté | Editor, Producer

Jennifer Lame | Editor, ACE

Yorgos Mavropsaridis | Editor, ACE; Chapter Principal, Editors Chapter, European Film Academy

Alejo Santos | Editor, Board of Directors, Argentine Society of Film Editors (SAE)

Kevin Tent | Editor, Former President of American Cinema Editors (ACE)

Zhou Xinxia | Editor, President of China Cinema Editors Association (CCEA)

SIFF Masterclass With Mihály Víg

Time: June 17th, 2026 (Wednesday) 18:30

Venue: Hall 1 Dolbu Auditorium, Shanghai Film Art Center

Screening：The Turin Horse (156 mins)