SZ to host short film festival, TV drama production conference

Shenzhen will host the 15th China International New Media Short Film Festival alongside the 2026 China TV Drama Production Industry Conference and the 11th China (Shenzhen) International TV Program Trade Fair from March 13 to 15. The events — collectively known as “One Festival, One Conference” — will take place in Futian and Guangming districts, organizers announced at a press conference March 6.

More than 2,000 companies and institutions and over 5,000 industry professionals are expected to attend, making this the largest edition of the event to date.

Spaniards Aitor Arenas (L), an advisor to the 14th China International New Media Short Film Festival, Ane Inés Landeta (2nd L) and Lorea Lyons (2nd R), winners of the Documentary of the Year Award, pose with a representative of Guangzhou-based 19th Anime Culture, winner of the Animated Short Film of the Year Award, during an award ceremony on the festival’s opening day at the Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District on Feb. 19, 2025. Photo by Lin Songtao

Seizing the opportunity of the 2026 APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen, the event will feature stronger international participation. The short film festival has received submissions from 124 countries and regions, while representatives from global micro-drama platforms such as TikTok and ReelShort will join the event. Cultural exchange activities among APEC member economies will also be launched, including the “APEC Filmmakers Shenzhen Co-Creation Initiative.”

Meanwhile, the event will further connect with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Film and television professionals from Hong Kong and Macao will join dialogue sessions on industry collaboration, and a Hong Kong exhibition zone will be set up at the international micro-drama market in cooperation with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Technological innovation will be a major highlight this year. The event will focus on the emerging “new-quality visual content” industry and explore how AIGC (AI-generated content) can empower film and television production. A dedicated AIGC and digital technology zone will showcase the latest AI solutions from companies including Tencent Cloud and Alibaba Cloud, featuring technologies such as the widely used Seedance system featured at China’s Spring Festival Gala.

In Guangming District, the presence of major research institutes has inspired a unique blend of science and art. A scientific advisory team will support the third Guangming Science City Sci-Fi Short Film Competition, encouraging filmmakers to integrate cutting-edge research with creative storytelling.

The event will also strengthen its market orientation by launching two major trading platforms: the “China Drama Market” and the “International Micro-Drama Market,” covering nearly 4,000 square meters. These platforms will combine exhibitions, project pitching, industry dialogue, and deal-making to promote global collaboration and help Chinese productions expand overseas.

From Futian’s urban landmarks to Guangming’s world-class science city, Shenzhen aims to welcome filmmakers and creators from around the world, building a vibrant ecosystem that links technology, creativity, and international cooperation for the future of China’s film and television industry.