THE 15th China International New Media Short Film Festival (CSFF), alongside the 2026 China TV Drama Industry Conference and the 11th China (Shenzhen) International TV Drama Trade Fair, kicks off Friday in Shenzhen’s Futian and Guangming districts.

Running through Sunday, the dual events highlight the integration of AI into filmmaking while fostering international collaboration.

Technological innovation takes center stage this year, with a focus on how AI-generated content (AIGC) is empowering film and television production.

A dedicated AIGC and digital technology zone showcases the latest AI imaging solutions from industry leaders such as Tencent Cloud and Alibaba Cloud. Among the featured innovations is Seedance, an AI-powered motion capture system that made its debut at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala last month.

The CSFF has received entries from 124 countries and regions. This year’s edition places special emphasis on micro-dramas across four categories: overseas broadcasting, technological innovation, cultural tourism themes, and traditional culture.

Representatives from international micro-drama platforms TikTok and ReelShort are attending the event, joining Oscar-winning sound editor David White, director Guo Jingyu, and actress Angie Chiu for discussions on emerging industry trends.

For the first time, the events include a dedicated Shenzhen exhibition area at this year’s Hong Kong International Film & TV Market.

In partnership with the Asian Art Film Festival in Macao, the events will host APEC-themed forums aimed at promoting project cooperation, talent cultivation, and cross-border exchanges.

The gathering underscores Shenzhen’s growing influence in China’s film and television landscape.

“Awakening of Insects in Silence,” a film co-produced by Shenzhen-based teams, surpassed 1.1 billion yuan (US$152 million) at the box office during the 2026 Spring Festival season. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed micro-drama series “Miracles,” co-produced by China Media Group and the publicity department of the Shenzhen Municipal Government — has drawn both strong ratings and positive reviews.

(SD News)