Shanghai, China – The 2026 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival (SIFF & STVF) unveiled its comprehensive framework at a press conference in Beijing on May 15, detailing the highly anticipated 28th Shanghai International Film Festival and the 31st Shanghai TV Festival. Under the resonant themes of "Lights, Camera, Stories" for SIFF and "Blooming Futures" for STVF, the dual events are poised to champion international collaboration, foster emerging talent, integrate cutting-edge technological innovation, and solidify the expanding influence of cinema and television within the global cultural economy. This year’s iteration promises to be a landmark occasion, reinforcing Shanghai’s position as a vibrant nexus for film and television excellence in Asia and beyond.
A Legacy of Cinematic and Televisual Excellence
The Shanghai International Film Festival, established in 1993, and the Shanghai TV Festival, dating back to 1986, have consistently served as pivotal platforms for showcasing global cinematic and televisual achievements while promoting cultural exchange. Their enduring commitment to excellence has earned them a distinguished reputation. The announcement in Beijing underscored this prestige, coming shortly after the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) once again designated SIFF as China’s sole accredited "A-list" competitive feature film festival. This esteemed status places SIFF among an elite group of international festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, recognizing its rigorous selection process, global reach, and significant industry impact. This accreditation is not merely a title but a testament to the festival’s adherence to international standards for competitive events, attracting top-tier films and industry professionals from across the globe.
The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, guided by the China Film Administration and jointly hosted by China Media Group and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, is scheduled to run from June 12 to 21. Following its conclusion, the 31st Shanghai TV Festival, co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, China Media Group, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, will take center stage from June 22 to 26. This staggered yet cohesive scheduling allows for a comprehensive celebration of both cinematic and televisual arts, maximizing audience and industry engagement. The festivals historically draw significant attendance, with past editions reporting hundreds of thousands of individual screenings and events, contributing substantially to Shanghai’s cultural calendar and local economy.
Record Submissions Signal Global Ascent
The 2026 festivals have shattered previous records for international participation and submission volume, signaling their growing global appeal. SIFF received an unprecedented approximately 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and regions, a new high for the festival. Of these, around 3,000 works met the stringent criteria for competition, with an impressive 82 percent categorized as world or international premieres. This high percentage of premieres underscores the festival’s significance as a launchpad for new and important cinematic works. Notably, this year marked first-time submissions from nations such as Ghana and Mozambique, further broadening SIFF’s geographical footprint and underscoring its commitment to showcasing diverse voices from underrepresented regions.
The Shanghai TV Festival mirrored this impressive growth, reporting over 1,000 submissions from 60 countries and regions across five continents, marking a substantial 39.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Submissions for foreign TV dramas saw a significant jump from 142 in 2025 to 184 this year, with the number of participating countries in this category rising from 28 to 37. This surge reflects the global proliferation of high-quality television content and STVF’s expanding role as a key international platform for its recognition and dissemination.
Distinguished Juries and Curatorial Vision
To preside over the competitive sections, both festivals have assembled juries comprising highly respected figures from the global film and television industries. For the prestigious Golden Goblet Awards at SIFF, Hong Kong’s iconic actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai will serve as President of the Main Competition Jury. Leung, a recipient of numerous international accolades including the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, brings unparalleled experience and a global perspective to the judging panel. His presence underscores the festival’s commitment to attracting world-class talent and ensuring a discerning evaluation process. Singaporean director, producer, and screenwriter Anthony Chen, known for his critically acclaimed works, will chair the Asian New Talent section, a vital platform for recognizing and nurturing emerging filmmakers from across Asia. In total, the Golden Goblet juries comprise 21 members from 16 countries and regions, reflecting a truly international outlook.
For the 31st Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Awards, renowned Chinese director Zhang Yongxin will lead the TV Drama jury. Zhang’s significant contributions to Chinese television, including critically acclaimed historical dramas, position him as an authoritative figure for evaluating contemporary television excellence. The full Magnolia jury features 15 members from seven countries, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Ireland, and Malaysia, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded perspective on global television trends. The caliber and international diversity of these juries not only lend credibility to the awards but also foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue among industry professionals.
A Hub for International Exchange and Cultural Diplomacy
Beyond its competitive screenings, the 2026 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival is set to strengthen its role as a major platform for global cultural exchange and diplomacy. The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, an initiative spearheaded by SIFF, has expanded its network to include 57 partners from 50 countries. This year’s Belt and Road Film Week will prominently feature cultural exchange between China and Arab countries, including the introduction of the Belt and Road Film Week Arabian Souk and Culture Market. This initiative aims to deepen understanding and foster collaboration through film and related cultural industries between China and nations along the historic Silk Road.
In a significant nod to bilateral relations, the festival will commemorate the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations with a dedicated "Egyptian Film Week." Presented in collaboration with China Media Group, this special program will showcase seminal works by the legendary Egyptian director Youssef Chahine, alongside a selection of contemporary Egyptian cinema. This retrospective offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cinematic heritage and vibrant modern narratives from Egypt. Similarly, the ongoing China-Brazil Year of Culture will be celebrated with a "Focus Brazil" screening program and a special Brazil Night event at the International Film and TV Market during SIFF. The STVF will also join these celebrations with a special screening of the beloved 1976 Brazilian TV drama "Escrava Isaura," also known as "Isaura: Slave Girl." Lucélia Santos, whose iconic portrayal of Isaura captivated Chinese audiences decades ago, is slated to attend the festival for cultural exchange, rekindling fond memories and fostering new connections. These initiatives collectively underscore the festivals’ commitment to cultural diplomacy, using the universal language of film and television to build bridges between nations.
A Panorama of Cinematic Delights and Television Innovation
The 28th SIFF promises a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, with more than 420 international movies scheduled across over 1,500 screenings. The program will feature highly anticipated retrospectives dedicated to Hollywood legends Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe, offering insights into their enduring legacies. A retrospective for British director Ken Loach will celebrate his profound contributions to social realism in cinema. An "In Memory Of" section will pay tribute to influential Chinese artists such as Sang Hu, Huang Zuolin, and Shen Yaoting, honoring their indelible mark on Chinese film history.
A special Chinese-language section, aptly titled "Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China," will showcase approximately 15 classic and new works that explore the vast geographical and cultural diversity of the country, from bustling metropolises to serene rural landscapes. The festival will also maintain its popular strands, including "New From Auteur," "Viva La Festival," "Cannes Express," and "SIFF Gala," which bring recent festival hits and glamorous premieres to Shanghai audiences. In a forward-looking move, this year’s SIFF will introduce premium format screenings, dedicated sci-fi programs, and titles incorporating AI technologies, reflecting evolving trends in filmmaking and audience preferences.
The official promotional short for the 28th SIFF, "Step into the story," directed by emerging filmmaker Wang Tong—a Jury Grand Prix winner at last year’s Golden Goblet Awards—stars acclaimed actors Huang Bo and Wan Qian. The official poster, echoing the "Lights, Camera, Stories" theme, visually intertwines Shanghai’s iconic cityscape with cinematic imagery, presenting the festival as both a cultural landmark and a dynamic meeting point for global narratives.
The 31st STVF’s Magnolia International TV Showcase will further enhance public cultural access by presenting selected submissions and shortlisted programs from the Magnolia Awards, alongside internationally acclaimed productions. Its offline public screening program will adopt a "3 plus 3" thematic framework, encompassing "Joyful Childhood," "Dazzling Planet," and "A Different Life," complemented by special units dedicated to the China-Brazil Year of Culture, a collaboration with Hasbro, and a focus on Asian and African productions. These initiatives demonstrate STVF’s commitment to combining professional industry recognition with broad public engagement, making diverse and quality television accessible to all.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Storytellers
Emerging talent remains a cornerstone of the festival’s mission, with SIFF reinforcing its robust three-pillar talent development model in 2026. This model is built around industry platforms, professional awards, and international tours, designed to identify, nurture, and promote new voices. The SIFF ING program will launch its inaugural Mobile Filmmaking Camp, providing hands-on experience and mentorship for aspiring creators using accessible technologies. SIFF NEXT will, for the first time, integrate industry training with public engagement, broadening its reach and impact. SIFF YOUNG, now in its fifth edition, will sharpen its focus on recommending talent in commercial filmmaking, bridging artistic promise with market viability.
Through proactive initiatives like the Belt and Road Film Tour and "World Express," SIFF has been instrumental in bringing more than 20 Chinese movies to overseas audiences since last year. Notable examples include "Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts," "Water Can Go Anywhere," and "As The Water Flows," demonstrating the festival’s dedication to facilitating the global journey of Chinese cinematic narratives and enhancing China’s cultural soft power. These programs provide vital exposure and networking opportunities, crucial for emerging filmmakers to break into the international market.
Embracing the Technological Frontier
Technology is set to play a transformative role in this year’s edition of both festivals, positioning Shanghai at the forefront of media innovation. SIFF has forged a significant partnership with Hailuo AI to launch "AI Backlot," a pioneering unit designed to foster collaboration between filmmakers and AI creators. This initiative has garnered immense interest, attracting around 500 applicants, with creators born in the 1990s and 2000s accounting for over 60 percent. This demographic trend highlights a generational embrace of AI as a creative tool, signaling a new era for filmmaking. The festival will also feature a dedicated Technology Creation and Fabrication Unit, seated VR cinematic screenings, expansive walk-through VR experiences, and specialized sci-fi programs developed in collaboration with the esteemed Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. These elements collectively underscore the festival’s commitment to exploring the evolving landscape of storytelling through technological advancements.
The STVF is also turning its attention to the burgeoning field of micro-dramas through the launch of the "Multiverse Micro-Drama Project." This initiative aims to elevate the format from purely traffic-driven production to one focused on premium storytelling. Evaluation will prioritize core values, narrative and creativity, production and audiovisual quality, and audience reception, setting new benchmarks for the genre. A dedicated STVFORUM session titled "Riding the AI Wave: The Path To Exquisite Micro-Dramas" will further explore how new technologies, particularly AI, can support the creation of higher-quality micro-drama productions, addressing both artistic and commercial aspects of this rapidly expanding segment of the television industry.
A Festival Integrated with the City’s Pulse
Beyond their official screenings and awards ceremonies, the 2026 SIFF and STVF are designed to expand their presence throughout Shanghai, transforming the entire city into a vibrant festival venue. Extended screenings will run from June 12 to 28, offering audiences additional opportunities to revisit Golden Goblet winners and popular titles even after the main festival concludes. The official screening schedule will be released on June 2, with ticket sales commencing on June 5 via Taopiaopiao, a major online ticketing platform in China, ensuring widespread access.
In an innovative approach to public engagement, the festival will introduce "blind box" ticket packages, adding an element of surprise and excitement for moviegoers. Over 100 meet-and-greet events, organized in partnership with the influential social media platform Xiaohongshu, will allow fans to interact with filmmakers and stars. SIFF Salon activities, curated citywalk routes, and late-night dining initiatives will further integrate the festival experience with Shanghai’s dynamic urban life. The SIFF Passport will serve as a comprehensive guide, connecting moviegoing with Shanghai’s wider cultural, commercial, and tourism offerings, encouraging visitors and residents alike to explore the city through the lens of the festival. These comprehensive public programs not only enhance the festival experience but also significantly boost cultural tourism and local economic activity, solidifying SIFF and STVF’s role as integral components of Shanghai’s global identity.
The 2026 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival stands as a testament to China’s growing influence in the global cultural landscape. By fostering international exchange, nurturing new talent, embracing technological innovation, and deeply engaging with its host city, the festival is poised to deliver a memorable and impactful experience, further cementing its status as a vital institution in the world of cinema and television.
