The 19th edition of the Chinese American Film Festival and the Chinese American Television Festival is set to commence this Thursday, in a promising venture that seeks to bridge the cultural divide between two of the world’s cinematic behemoths: China and the United States. This year’s festival will showcase a collection of 10 carefully curated films, leading up to the much-anticipated unveiling of the Golden Angel Award on the opening day.
James Su, the esteemed chairman of both festivals, shared the overarching vision of this significant event. He elaborated on its primary objectives, emphasizing its commitment to fostering mutual cooperation in the film and television sectors of both nations. Beyond its role in promoting industry collaboration, the festival serves a higher purpose. It endeavors to catalyze cultural exchanges, engender mutual understanding, and cultivate a symbiotic relationship between China and the US, all through the universal language of film and television.
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the resumption of in-person dialogues, marking the first such occasion since the global onset of the pandemic. Esteemed representatives from the Chinese and American entertainment spheres, as well as seasoned scholars and experts, are slated to converge at the prestigious Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel. This assembly promises to be a melting pot of ideas, discussions, and envisioning the road ahead for the Sino-American entertainment industry.
Underlining the increasing significance and evolution of the festival, Su pointed out notable shifts in this year’s approach. Both nations have demonstrated heightened enthusiasm and commitment, with the Los Angeles County Government commemorating November as “Chinese American Film Festival, TV Festival Month” for the remarkable eighth year in a row. Furthermore, this dedication is echoed by active support from various US officials and influential leaders from Hollywood’s elite studios.
An innovative feature making its debut this year is the “investment and innovation unit”. This initiative has been crafted to lend comprehensive backing to distinguished film ventures from both nations. The unit’s mission revolves around discovering and elevating gifted filmmakers possessing creative prowess from China and the US. Moreover, it aims to identify and champion groundbreaking projects that resonate on multiple fronts—artistically, intellectually, and commercially on the international stage.
As Su elaborates, the festival’s essence is rooted in its commitment to amalgamate the richness of global culture with the distinct nuances of Chinese heritage in a harmonious blend. By spotlighting and endorsing superior cinematic works, the festival aspires to bolster the evolution and global footprint of film and television culture in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Initiated in 2005 by EDI Media Inc. (USA), the festival stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit between China and the US. Receiving acknowledgment from both governments, this annual cultural fiesta typically graces the city of Los Angeles each November, as highlighted by Xinhua News Agency.
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