The 29th Shanghai TV Festival kicks off on June 24. [Photo/eastday.com]

The 29th Shanghai TV Festival commenced on June 24, marking the beginning of a five-day extravaganza celebrating TV culture. The festival features a diverse array of events, including forums, screenings, and the highly anticipated presentation of the Magnolia Awards.

Scheduled to take place on June 28 at the Lin-gang Performing Arts Center, the Magnolia Awards received nearly 1,000 submissions from 57 countries and regions. The esteemed jury panel comprises Chinese experts and six distinguished foreign judges hailing from the United Kingdom, France, India, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Yan Jianguang, Chinese director and chairman of the drama category jury, said, "This year's selection of 10 Chinese TV dramas and 10 international masterpieces has impressed the jury with their timeliness, breakthroughs, and innovative storytelling. These works intricately capture the nuances of life, evoking powerful emotions."

Vikram Channa, an Indian director and producer that is leading the documentary category jury, emphasized the transformative power of documentary films. He praised this year's 10 shortlisted documentaries for their innovative perspectives and profound insights.

Frederic Puech, the French animation producer heading the Animated Film jury, highlighted the enchanting nature of animated films, noting their ability to vividly portray fantastical worlds while delving into the depths of human nature. He lauded the 10 shortlisted animations for their soulful creativity and profound expression.

Adding an interactive dimension to the festival, an immersive exhibition based on the Chinese TV series Three Bodies debuted on June 24 at Madame Tussauds Shanghai. Featuring lifelike wax figures of the series' characters and cutting-edge interactive installations, the exhibition captivated audiences with its captivating exploration of sci-fi charm.

The festival continued its tradition of community engagement through the Magnolia Blossoms program, offering public screenings and guided viewing sessions. With an expanded presence across 20 screening locations in 16 districts, residents had the opportunity to enjoy over 30 outstanding works that are all vying to receive a Magnolia Award.

Selected works from the festival will also be showcased on Shanghai Media Group's six TV channels and the online platform BesTV. Notable programming includes the BBC's documentary Secrets of the Jurassic Dinosaurs airing on Dragon TV, and sports documentaries like Roger Federer: A Champion's Journey featured on the Great Sports channel. These films not only provide enriching content, but also expand horizons for viewers across the globe.

Source: eastday.com