Shanghai TV Festival and Shanghai International Film Festival
Two of the busiest weeks in China's annual film and TV calendar came to a close on June 21 when the Golden Goblet (or Jin Jue) International Film Awards wrapped the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival. The film festival, and the Shanghai TV Festival that immediately precedes it, are considered two of the biggest TV and film events in the country.
The film festival had a strong international presence. Hot British director Danny Boyle led the jury, joined by American actress Andy McDowell and Infernal Affairs director Andy Lau. Other international stars such as Clive Owen, Quincy Jones, Halle Berry and Isabelle Huppert also attended. More than 1,925 films were screened, including some films that have not been approved for commercial theatrical release, such as The Reader and Angels and Demons. Seventeen films from sixteen countries screened in competition, with the top honor going to Danish-Swedish co-production Original (see story under film for full list of winners).
Meanwhile, China's robust box office growth of around 25% per year helped ensure that international producers and directors were well represented at the festival and film market. German Films organized a delegation of film industry professional to attend the festival for Focus Germany, a showcase of 14 contemporary films from Germany. Special screenings and events were also organized for Australian, Italian, Swiss and Brazilian films.
More than 217 film projects from 17 countries applied for admission in the China Film Pitch and Catch (CFPC) and Co-production Film Pitch and Catch (Co-FPC) sessions, annual events that help partner film-makers up with investment partners. The organizers selected 40 projects for admission to the project and letters of intent were signed for 34 of the projects by the end of the festival.
Several other major deals were also announced at the film festival, including a new partnership between Huayi Bros and IMAX to co-produce and distribute three large format films. Shanghai Film Group also unveiled a new joint venture with Hong Kong's Media Asia Films Ltd and Beijing Guoli Changsheng Film, Drama Culture Ltd. Reflecting increasing interest from overseas investors, leading Chinese producers such as Huayi Bros' President Wang Zhongjun and producer Bill Kong discussed prospects for growth global venture capital fund leaders at a forum on June 15.
Although not as glitzy as the film festival, the Shanghai TV Festival from June 8 to 13 also boasted a strong international presence. More than 150 exhibitors attended the International Film and TV Market, including a number of American and European companies attending the event for the first time. The International Pavilion organized by CMM Intelligence was the largest group exhibit of overseas companies at the festival housing such companies as Caracol, CBS, Deutsche Welle, ITV, Nelvana, German Films, NPO, RCTV, Filmfee, Eurodata, Telepool and Seven One International.
From Asia, a delegation from Taiwan joined Japanese exhibitors NHK, TBS and TV Tokyo and Korean mainstays KBS, MBC and SBS. Heavy-hitting Chinese exhibitors included SMG, CCTV, East-Shanghai, Huayi Bros, Hairun Film and TV Group, Zhejiang Huace Group and Beijing TV Art Centre.
Exhibitors reported that the visitors were more focused and relevant than in previous years, as companies cut back on their delegations due to the global financial crisis and swine flu epidemic.
The International Pavilion welcomed two first timers bringing telenovelas from South America, who said the festival provided them with a valuable learning experience and introduction to China.
Marc Paneque of RCTV International said that his company gained exposure to a large and exciting marketplace with the beginnings of deals that promise to materialize in the near future. Alejandro Toro of Caracol TV also sees potential for future business. "While it is difficult to sign deals ... when you are approaching potential clients for the first time, we made many contacts."
The Pavilion also saw a number of returning exhibitors, such as Deutsche Welle, ITV, Telepool, German Films and Seven One International. Yuelei Hu of Deutsche Welle said the exhibition offered them a valuable opportunity to sell productions, build relationships and seek potential co-production partners.