From Austen to animation: Magnolia Showcase celebrates global TV culture

The Shanghai TV Festival’s Magnolia Showcase kicked off at the China Art Museum on Monday, June 23.

Running through to June 27, the showcase continues its diverse scope, encompassing TV showcase, online showcase, and offline public screenings.

The TV showcase section this year highlights a special retrospective of seven Magnolia Award-winning TV programs, including "The Brink" and "Golden Marriage." The online showcase maintains its partnership with BesTV, offering a selection of popular programs from past years and unveiling approximately 10 new creations.

The offline public screening section features eight specially curated segments and is even more spectacular. Spanning 19 venues across 16 districts of Shanghai, it meticulously showcases 29 outstanding domestic and international TV programs.

Marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth and aligning with the special program of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, this year’s Shanghai TV Festival has renewed its cooperation with BBC Studios.

During the screening period, three related TV programs will be presented, including the 1995 classic version of "Pride and Prejudice," the 2009 version of "Emma," and "Miss Austen Regrets."

Renowned experts will also be invited to provide guided appreciation during the relevant sessions, offering in-depth analysis of the enduring charm of Jane Austen's literature.

The festival’s Documentary section spotlights artistic masters, introducing audiences to architect László Hudec and artist Picasso. Leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, China Art Museum will host special screenings for audiences with visual or hearing impairments.

Also, a three-day meet-and-greet event will be held for fans of "Gabby's Dollhouse," DreamWorks’ popular animation, at Shanghai Library. 

Beloved children's characters from "Paw Patrol" and "Shuke and Beita" will likewise be present at the screening venues to engage young audiences.

At the opening ceremony, Lin Sumin, a second-level inspector at Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, reiterated that the television industry exists for the audience and thrives on content. 

By integrating high-quality programming with a variety of spaces, Shanghai TV Festival will persist in its efforts to enrich the audience experience and elevate their cultural literacy, Lin said.