The 15th China International New Media Short Film Festival officially opened in Shenzhen on March 15, uniting global creative talent under the theme "Riding Light and Shadow, Surfing the Blue Ocean."
Co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, the festival serves as a dynamic platform for exploring the future of new media short films and micro-dramas.
The festival runs in tandem with the 2026 China Television Drama Production Industry Conference (CDC) and the 11th China (Shenzhen) International Television Program Market, which opened on March 13. Together, these major events—dubbed the "Festival and Conference"—form a powerful synergy, creating a world-class ecosystem for professional, market-driven, and international collaboration in film and television. With over 2,000 enterprises and 5,000 industry professionals participating, the 2026 edition represents a significant upgrade in scale and influence, serving as a critical node for industrial resource integration and policy implementation.
This year's short film festival has drawn participation from creators across 124 countries and regions, with submissions reaching an all-time high. A special "APEC 2026 Shenzhen Invitational Screening" section showcases outstanding short films from multiple APEC member economies, highlighting Shenzhen's role as a bridge for cultural exchange ahead of its hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2026.
Key announcements during the festival included the launch of the "100 Elite International Communication Initiative," the release of the "Smart Audiovisual Cloud Industrial Park" project, and the unveiling of several Shenzhen-based micro-drama initiatives. These initiatives include industry support policies, a digitalized overseas filming project, an overseas micro-drama service platform, and a dedicated cultural industry fund.
At the "Night of Kingbonn Ceremony" on March 15, awards were presented for Best Narrative Short Film, Best Documentary Short Film, Best Public Service Short Film, Best Commercial Short Film, and Best AIGC Micro Film. The upgraded "Kingbonn Director Support Program" was also announced.
Industry reports released at the event include the "Kingbonn Index – 2025 China Micro-Drama Industry Research Report," the "2025 China Short Video Development Research Report," and the "2025 White Paper on Micro-Drama Going Global."
With its unique blend of international exchange, technological empowerment, and industrial integration, the 2026 "Festival and Conference" stands as a premier gathering for the global film and television community—fostering innovation, investment, and international cooperation at the heart of Shenzhen's growing cultural scene.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Photo | Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, CDC
