The organizers of the 2026 Shanghai International Film and TV Festival announced at a news conference in Beijing on May 15 that global submissions to the Shanghai International Film Festival had recorded a new high, and that this year, both festivals would adopt a "super-long" screening model.

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival will run from June 12 to 21, followed by the 31st Shanghai TV Festival from June 22 to 26.

As China's only A-list film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, SIFF received roughly 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and regions, setting a record. Notably, submissions from Ghana and Mozambique were received for the first time.

Of the approximately 3,000 films eligible for competition, 82 percent are world premieres, underscoring Shanghai's role as a preferred launch platform for Chinese and international filmmakers.

More than 420 films will be screened in over 1,500 sessions, featuring retrospectives of Billy Wilder and Marilyn Monroe, alongside films incorporating AI technologies and cutting-edge scientific fiction works.

The Shanghai TV Festival has also expanded its international reach, receiving more than 1,000 entries from 60 countries and regions. Submissions from Asia and South America grew significantly, with overseas TV drama entries totaling 184.

As part of the China-Brazil Year of Culture, the festival will screen the classic Brazilian TV drama Escrava Isaura (Isaura: Slave Girl) and host its lead actress for exchanges.

The news conference also unveiled jury lineups for the Golden Goblet Awards and the Magnolia Awards, along with official posters and promotional videos.

Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai will chair the main competition jury of the SIFF Golden Goblet Awards, while Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen will head the Asian New Talent section.

A total of 21 jurors from 16 countries and regions will serve on the SIFF juries.

Chinese director Zhang Yongxin will chair the TV Drama category jury for the STVF Magnolia Awards, which comprises 15 members from seven countries.

In addition, the festival has expanded its international selector network to include more professionals from the Middle East and Latin America.

As part of the "film economy promotion year", SIFF aims to draw more moviegoers from cinemas into commercial districts and public spaces.

Under the "super-long" screening model, film festival screenings will continue through June 28, with additional showings of award-winning and popular films.

The film festival also plans to introduce interactive initiatives such as filmgoer passports and blind-box packages for award-winning films.

Meanwhile, the TV festival's screening program will span multiple platforms, with offline public screenings and meet-and-greet events to bring high-quality productions closer to audiences.

Source: Jiefang Daily