International Film & TV Market | Dual Industry Events Highlight Cross-Domain Practices for Multidimensional Synergy

On June 22, the International Film & TV Market addressed key issues in film production and industry services through two industry events: “OpenMic Market Pitch Parade II” and “Zhihu Yan Salon”. Representatives from legal, content production, and academic institutions delivered presentations, while platform representatives and filmmakers engaged in thematic discussions. The events focused on multiple dimensions of content creation and industrial collaboration, actively facilitating efficient connections among industry practices on the market platform. Attendees gained insightful perspectives, fully experiencing the film and TV industry’s powerful networking capabilities and synergy effects across diverse contexts.

Industry Event: OpenMic Market Pitch Parade II

The “OpenMic Market Pitch Parade II” featured four distinguished guests from the fields of content distribution, legal services, and film technology. The discussions revolved around three key themes - short film distribution, legal services for the film and television industry, and cutting-edge special effects technology - showcasing how content creators and industry professionals can collaboratively foster a healthier, more professional, and diverse ecosystem for the film and TV sector.

Cai Dongni, CEO of Dogme23, introduced her company as a one-stop film culture service provider specializing in film festival strategies, feature/short film screenings, and director support, with a mission to “help more Chinese-language short films gain global visibility”. Since its founding in Beijing in 2023, the company has championed equal exposure opportunities for short films, offering emerging directors professional film festival strategies and screening platforms. On stage, Cai shared practical case studies and success stories in director incubation, short film curation, and global distribution.

Dentons Law Firm has established a comprehensive legal service system spanning industries such as film and entertainment, technology, and telecommunications. With the capability to leverage global resources in resolving cross-border contract disputes, Dentons boasts extensive expertise in international trade, intellectual property licensing, and foreign investment contracts. Partner Chen Si highlighted that Dentons has established 12 specialized practice groups and 10 industry-focused teams, enabling the firm to serve clients ranging from traditional enterprises to emerging industries. Dentons provides one-stop legal solutions for content creators and platforms in areas such as investment and mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, compliance, and data security.

Dentons boasts extensive experience in legal services for the entertainment industry, having worked on blockbuster films such as Operation Red Sea, Ne Zha, and Full River Red. Ma Shibo, a partner at Dentons, emphasized: “Our team possesses professional expertise in intellectual property protection, project compliance, financing, and dispute resolution. We aim to serve as the ‘legal guardians of the film and entertainment industry’.”

He Zhenhui, Animation Project Technical Director at Jilin Animation Institute and Assistant General Manager of YIXO, focused on the application of intelligent bionic technology in film production. Using the Classic of Mountains and Seas: Hundred Beasts project as an example, he showcased cutting-edge advancements in bionic technology applications and production workflows. “We are committed to building an integrated system combining 3D animation, bionic effects, and technological R&D, driving the new trend of ‘technology meets culture meets consumption’.”

Industry Event: Zhihu Yan Salon

My Father’s Son, directed by Qiu Sheng, won the “Outstanding Artistic Achievement” award in the Main Competition Unit of the 27th SIFF Golden Goblet Awards. At the Zhihu Yan Salon, director Qiu Sheng, lead actor Song Yang, and Zhihu content creators explored the boundaries and reconstruction of AI, father-son relationships, and emotional expression in East Asian families.

Hosted by Zhihu film critic “Twenty-Two Island Master”, Qiu Sheng and Song Yang shared their creative journey and on-set experiences. The film, adapted from Qiu’s personal story, follows protagonist Zou Qiao, who - after his father’s death - creates an “AI boxer” based on his father’s boxing history and personality, attempting to bridge time and space through digital reconstruction for a posthumous dialogue. Qiu noted that the father’s character blends private memories with era-defining traits, while Song Yang highlighted interpreting paternal emotional reticence through a son’s lens.

The screening of selected clips showcased the film’s seamless transitions between reality, memory, and the future. The visual palette prominently features a striking contrast between red and blue - symbolizing the father and son respectively. When discussing the film’s distinctive visual aesthetic, Qiu Sheng explained: “Through progressive layering of textures and colors, we aimed to depict the psychological journey from reality to virtuality. The VR perspective in the boxing sequences was designed to evoke deep audience resonance.”

During the panel discussion, Zhihu content creators Jiang Lai and Kuang Jing engaged with the creative team in a thought-provoking dialogue about AI ethics and the concept of “right to memory”. The conversation explored technology’s capacity for solace, ethical boundaries, and the intricate nature of human emotions through multiple analytical lenses.

From June 23 to June 25, the industry events will continue, serving as a dynamic bridge for professional exchange and networking within the sector. Stay tuned for more updates!

How to Participate in the Industry Events at the International Film & TV Market of the 27th SIFF & the 30th STVF?

* Holders of valid official SIFF or STVF credentials may attend based on availability (limited seating, first-come-first-served).

* Special sessions require invitation-only access.

How to Visit the International Film & TV Market Exhibition Zone and “CINEMART”?

* Event Dates: June 21 - June 25

* Advance Registration Required - please scan the QR code below to reserve your spot.