Shanghai to Host the Film Festival and TV Festival in June

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival will run June 12–21 and the 31st Shanghai TV Festival June 22–26, with Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai chairing the Golden Goblet Awards main competition jury, organizers announced at a press conference in Beijing on Friday.

Singaporean director Anthony Chen will chair the Asian New Talent section. The Golden Goblet jury comprises 21 members from 16 countries and regions.

This year's SIFF drew a record 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and regions. World or international premieres account for 82 percent of eligible entries.

The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, initiated by SIFF, now has 57 members from 50 countries. During this year's festival, the Belt and Road Film Week will promote cultural exchange between China and Arab countries.

SIFF remains China's only festival on the International Federation of Film Producers Associations' "A-list," a designation renewed in March that recognizes its professionalism, international reach, and industry influence.

To promote the film economy, SIFF will extend its screening period from June 12 to 28, with encore screenings of Golden Goblet winners and popular titles after the main festival period.

The 31st STVF has received more than 1,000 submissions from 60 countries and regions across five continents, with the number of participating countries and regions up 39.5 per cent from last year. Submissions from Asia and South America saw particularly strong growth.

Chinese director Zhang Yongxin will chair the jury for the Magnolia Awards TV Drama category. The jury includes 15 members from seven countries, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Ireland and Malaysia.

Supporting young talent remains a key focus of the two festivals this year. SIFF will continue to strengthen its newcomer cultivation system through industry programs, professional awards and overseas showcases. STVF will offer forums, open-mic sessions and workshops for young creators in the broadcasting and online audiovisual industries.

Technological innovation will play a major role. This year's SIFF launched the "AI Backlot" section, exploring a collaborative model between filmmakers and AI creators. The program has attracted around 500 applicants, with those born in the 1990s and 2000s accounting for more than 60 per cent.