The highly anticipated 2026 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival (SIFF and STVF) has officially laid out its comprehensive framework, promising a dynamic and expansive celebration of cinematic and television arts. At a press conference held in Beijing on May 15, organizers detailed the dual events, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and the 31st Shanghai TV Festival (STVF). Under the overarching themes of "Lights, Camera, Stories" for SIFF and "Blooming Futures" for STVF, both festivals are poised to significantly amplify international collaboration, spotlight burgeoning talent, embrace cutting-edge technological advancements, and underscore the growing significance of film and television within the global cultural economy.
A Grand Stage for Global Cinema and Television
The 28th SIFF is scheduled to unfold from June 12 to June 21, a ten-day immersion into the world of cinema. Concurrently, the 31st STVF will captivate audiences and industry professionals from June 22 to June 26. Both festivals are presented under the guidance of the China Film Administration and are jointly hosted by China Media Group and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. The STVF also receives hosting support from the National Radio and Television Administration. This announcement arrives with renewed affirmation of SIFF’s international standing, as the International Federation of Film Producers Associations has once again designated it as China’s sole accredited "A" list festival. This prestigious accreditation solidifies SIFF’s position as a premier international cinematic event within China and a significant player on the global festival circuit.
Record Submissions Signal Growing Global Appeal
This year’s SIFF has shattered previous submission records, attracting an unprecedented approximately 4,100 entries from 125 countries and regions. This surge in submissions underscores the festival’s expanding global reach and its growing importance as a platform for diverse cinematic voices. Of these, roughly 3,000 works have met the stringent criteria for competition, with an impressive 82 percent representing world or international premieres. The festival’s inclusivity is further highlighted by first-time submissions from nations such as Ghana and Mozambique, signifying a broadening geographical engagement.
The caliber of talent at the helm of the festival’s juried competitions further cements its international prestige. Esteemed Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai will preside over the Main Competition Jury for the coveted Golden Goblet Awards. Joining him in recognizing emerging talent, Singaporean director, producer, and screenwriter Anthony Chen will chair the Asian New Talent section. The Golden Goblet juries will comprise 21 distinguished members hailing from 16 countries and regions, a testament to the festival’s increasingly international outlook and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural cinematic dialogue.
SIFF: A Hub for Cultural Exchange and Belt and Road Initiatives
SIFF continues to solidify its role as a vital conduit for global exhibition and cultural exchange. The Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, an initiative spearheaded by SIFF, now boasts an impressive network of 57 partners spanning 50 countries. This year’s Belt and Road Film Week will prominently feature cultural exchanges between China and Arab nations, including the dedicated Belt and Road Film Week Arabian Souk and Culture Market.
In a significant diplomatic and cultural gesture, the festival will commemorate the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic relations with a special "Egyptian Film Week." Presented in collaboration with China Media Group, this program will showcase the cinematic legacy of the iconic Youssef Chahine alongside a curated selection of contemporary Egyptian cinema. Further enriching the international program, the China-Brazil Year of Culture will be celebrated through a dedicated "Focus Brazil" screening program and a "Brazil Night" event hosted at the International Film and TV Market. These initiatives demonstrate SIFF’s commitment to fostering deeper cultural understanding and artistic partnerships across diverse regions.
A Cinematic Feast: SIFF Program Highlights
The 28th SIFF is set to present an expansive cinematic offering, featuring over 420 international films across more than 1,500 screenings. The program will include significant retrospectives honoring legendary figures such as Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe, as well as a tribute to the impactful work of British director Ken Loach. A poignant "In Memory Of" section will pay homage to influential Chinese filmmakers, including Sang Hu, Huang Zuolin, and Shen Yaoting, recognizing their enduring contributions to Chinese cinema.
A special Chinese-language section, aptly titled "Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China," will delve into the nation’s geographical and cultural richness through approximately 15 classic and new works. The festival will also maintain its popular curated strands, such as "New From Auteur," "Viva La Festival," "Cannes Express," and "SIFF Gala." In an effort to embrace evolving cinematic trends, SIFF is introducing premium format screenings, dedicated sci-fi programs, and features that incorporate cutting-edge AI technologies, reflecting a forward-looking approach to film exhibition.
The official promotional short for the 28th SIFF, titled "Step into the story," is a testament to emerging talent. Directed by Wang Tong, winner of the Jury Grand Prix at last year’s Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition, the short film features acclaimed actors Huang Bo and Wan Qian. The official poster, embodying the theme "Lights, Camera, Stories," visually encapsulates the festival’s enduring connection to Shanghai as a cultural nexus where global narratives converge.
STVF: A Thriving Landscape for Television Excellence
The 31st Shanghai TV Festival is also experiencing remarkable growth, having received over 1,000 submissions from 60 countries and regions across five continents. This represents a substantial 39.5 percent increase in submissions compared to the previous year, indicating a heightened global interest in the festival. Notably, submissions for foreign TV dramas saw a significant rise, increasing from 142 in 2025 to 184 this year, with the number of participating countries in this category expanding from 28 to 37.
The esteemed Magnolia Awards jury for TV Drama will be chaired by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yongxin. The full Magnolia jury will consist of 15 members from seven countries, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Ireland, and Malaysia, highlighting the international collaboration and diverse perspectives brought to the judging process.
Celebrating Cultural Ties: Brazil and STVF
In celebration of the China-Brazil Year of Culture, the STVF will feature a special screening of the seminal 1976 Brazilian TV drama "Escrava Isaura," known internationally as "Isaura: Slave Girl." The festival will welcome Lucélia Santos, the beloved actress whose portrayal of Isaura garnered immense popularity among Chinese audiences, for cultural exchange activities. The Magnolia Awards Ceremony, a highlight of the STVF, is scheduled for the evening of June 26 in the Lingang Special Area, marking a fitting conclusion to the festival under the theme "Blooming Futures."
Nurturing the Next Generation: SIFF’s Talent Development Pillars
A cornerstone of SIFF’s mission remains the cultivation of emerging talent. In 2026, the festival is reinforcing its robust three-pillar talent development model, which encompasses industry platforms, professional awards, and international tours. The SIFF ING program will debut its inaugural Mobile Filmmaking Camp, offering hands-on experience in contemporary filmmaking techniques. SIFF NEXT is set to integrate industry training with public engagement for the first time, fostering a more holistic approach to talent development. SIFF YOUNG, now in its fifth edition, will focus on identifying and promoting talent in the commercial filmmaking sector. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Film Tour and "World Express," SIFF has facilitated the overseas distribution of over 20 Chinese films since last year, including critically acclaimed titles such as "Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts," "Water Can Go Anywhere," and "As The Water Flows."
Embracing the Future: Technology’s Role in Film and TV
Technological innovation is poised to play a pivotal role in this year’s edition. SIFF has forged a partnership with Hailuo AI to launch "AI Backlot," a pioneering initiative designed to unite filmmakers and AI creators. This program has already attracted approximately 500 applicants, with over 60 percent being creators born in the 1990s and 2000s, signaling a strong engagement from the younger generation of innovators. The festival will also feature a Technology Creation and Fabrication Unit, immersive VR cinematic screenings, expansive walk-through VR experiences, and sci-fi programs developed in collaboration with the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, showcasing the intersection of art and advanced technology.
Revolutionizing Micro-Dramas: STVF’s Forward-Thinking Approach
The STVF is directing its attention towards the burgeoning field of micro-dramas with the launch of the "Multiverse Micro-Drama Project." This initiative, alongside dedicated industry forums and networking sessions, aims to elevate the micro-drama format beyond traffic-driven production towards premium storytelling. Evaluation criteria will emphasize core values, narrative ingenuity, production quality, and audience reception. A STVFORUM session titled "Riding the AI Wave: The Path To Exquisite Micro-Dramas" will further explore how emerging technologies can support the creation of higher-quality micro-drama content, indicating a strategic focus on this evolving content format.
Beyond the Screen: SIFF and STVF Engage the City
Extending its reach beyond official screenings and awards, the 2026 SIFF and STVF are set to deepen their integration with Shanghai’s urban fabric. Extended screenings will run from June 12 to June 28, offering audiences opportunities to revisit Golden Goblet winners and popular films post-festival. The official screening schedule will be unveiled on June 2, with ticket sales commencing on June 5 via Taopiaopiao. The festival is introducing innovative ticketing options, including "blind box" packages, and will host over 100 meet-and-greet events in collaboration with Xiaohongshu. Additional engagements include SIFF Salon activities, curated citywalk routes, late-night dining initiatives, and the "SIFF Passport," which aims to seamlessly connect the cinematic experience with Shanghai’s broader cultural, commercial, and tourism offerings.
The Magnolia International TV Showcase will also enhance public access to television culture by presenting selected submissions and shortlisted programs from the Magnolia Awards, alongside internationally acclaimed productions. Its offline public screening program will adopt a thematic framework of "3 plus 3," featuring segments like "Joyful Childhood," "Dazzling Planet," and "A Different Life," alongside special units dedicated to the China-Brazil Year of Culture, a Hasbro collaboration, and productions from Asia and Africa. Through these multifaceted initiatives, the Shanghai TV Festival continues its successful strategy of harmonizing professional industry recognition with broad public engagement, solidifying its position as a vital cultural event for both industry professionals and the general public.
