The 21st Changchun Film Festival will be held in Changchun from August 23 to 28, according to a press conference on August 10. The event is hosted by China Media Group and the Jilin Provincial Government, and organized by the Changchun Municipal Government.

Building on the theme "New Era, New Cradle, New Force," this year's festival celebrates Changchun's storied legacy as the birthplace of New China's cinema while shining a spotlight on emerging talent and youthful energy. It also integrates elements tied to the Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade. With a rich and diverse program, the festival aims to deliver a cinematic extravaganza that empowers the industry, engages the public, and encourages cross-sector collaboration.

The festival features six main components. Both the opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the Golden Hall of the Changchun International Film Metropolis, with the "Golden Deer Awards" winners announced during the closing ceremony. The Golden Deer Awards are organized by China Media Group. A total of 157 films have been entered for competition and screening, including Dear You, Blades of the Guardians, Crossing, and Evil Unbound. An independent jury of industry experts will adjudicate across ten award categories, covering the entire filmmaking spectrum — from production and direction to performance, cinematography, and editing. The film screening program will feature nearly 500 showings organized around themes such as the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, and ice-and-snow culture. Industry exchange events will include high-profile gatherings such as the "China Film Producers' Summit" and the "AIGC Light & Shadow Night and Honor Ceremony," bringing together producers, directors, and other key players across the value chain to discuss the future direction of Chinese-language cinema and promote efficient integration of industry resources. The "Tribute to the Cradle" segment will feature the "Changying Night 2026" film symphony concert and a retrospective of films from Changchun Film Studio, honoring the revolutionary legacy and carrying forward the cinematic dream. The "Film+" series of activities will further expand the strategy of integrating film with other sectors, fostering diversified consumer formats and revitalizing the city's cultural vitality.

A signature highlight is the "Film Carnival · Light & Shadow Market," to be held along Changchun's historic Xinmin Street Cultural Block, aimed at drawing crowds and boosting consumer activity. This year's festival will also forge stronger connections with the commercial, cultural tourism, and education sectors, broadening the boundaries of integration and impact.

Source: Jilin Daily  Editor: Liu Jiadi