China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 101 Week of 18 May 2026
(1) Jackie Chan to headline twin action film events Sun Island Film Week and Jackie Chan International Action Film Week
Action icon Jackie Chan will host a major double-header film festival in Harbin this August to honor global action cinema. The event features the new Sun Island Film Week followed by the 7th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week, highlighting the bravery and skill of stunt performers often overlooked by the public.
(2) Shanghai International Film Festival launches AI project
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) has launched “AI Backlot,” a first-of-its-kind experimental lab to integrate artificial intelligence into professional filmmaking. By pairing traditional directors with “AI super-creators,” the project moves beyond theory to document real-world workflows, providing the industry with a practical blueprint for the future of AI-driven cinema.
(3) China Film Pavilion Returns to Cannes as China Film Co-Production Corporation Presents Over 180 Domestic Films
The China Film Pavilion has returned to the Cannes Film Festival to showcase the country’s booming media market. With over 180 films and 70 companies present, the delegation is highlighting record-breaking growth and seeking new global partners. This year’s focus is on connecting Chinese talent with international production resources.
(4) From ‘Ne Zha 2’ to Hand-Painted Animation, Chinese Cinema Is Rewriting the Rules
China’s animation industry is stealing the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival, driven by record-breaking growth and creative innovation. While global hits like “Ne Zha 2” dominate the box office, new experimental films are blending traditional art with modern tech. This surge highlights China’s rising influence in the global animation market.
(5) Jia Zhang-ke on His Cannes Short ‘Torino Shadow,’ AI, and Why Cinema Still Needs You in the Room
Renowned director Jia Zhang-ke has returned to Cannes with his new short film, Torino Shadow. The project explores the deep connection between cinema and human emotion. By comparing Chinese shadow puppetry with European film history, Jia argues that movies remain a vital way for people to communicate in a globalized world.
(6) Taiwan’s pushing presence at Cannes Film Festival
Taiwan is showcasing a diverse range of creative talent at the 79th Cannes Film Festival to boost its global standing. The delegation is promoting everything from restored cinematic classics and original manga to cutting-edge immersive technology. This effort aims to connect local creators with international partners and distributors.
(7) CCIDA and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to 79th Cannes Film Festival to showcase Hong Kong Cinema
The Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) are leading a major delegation at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Their mission is to promote local talent and foster global partnerships. Through the “Hong Kong Cinema @ Cannes 2026” pavilion, the delegation is showcasing the city’s innovative strength and its unique role as a bridge between Asian and Western cinema markets.
(8) Sandy Lam returns to HK after 9 years, fans flock to Kai Tak as ticket stubs unlock retail perks
Cantopop icon Sandy Lam successfully concluded her “Resonance: Reconstructed Hong Kong Exclusive” concerts at the new Kai Tak Stadium on May 16 and 17, 2026. The two-night event, which marked her first solo return to the Hong Kong stage in nine years, drew massive crowds and acted as a significant catalyst for local consumer spending and tourism.
(9) Chinese Indie Folk singer signs exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group China
Universal Music Publishing Group China has signed a global agreement with Chinese indie folk artist Wan Xiaoli. This partnership will provide copyright management and distribution for Wan’s two-decade career. It aims to introduce his independent music to a worldwide audience while supporting his future creative projects.
(10) “The Season”: Hulu Drops First Trailer for its Hong Kong Revenge Drama TV Series
Hulu has debuted the first trailer for The Season, a Hong Kong-set revenge drama exploring the deceptive lives of the city’s ultra-wealthy. Produced by SK Global and PCCW Media, the series follows a mysterious outsider’s mission to dismantle a powerful dynasty, blending high-society glamour with intense psychological suspense.
(11) Fremantle Label Beach House Pictures Launches ‘Panda School’ With Jimmy O. Yang, ‘Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor’
Singaporean production house Beach House Pictures is strengthening its ties to the Chinese media market with two new premium documentaries. By partnering with China state media company China Media Group and leveraging exclusive access to Sichuan’s conservation sites, the studio is creating high-quality content that blends Chinese cultural heritage with global distribution through Fremantle and National Geographic.
(12) Chinese film starring convicted killer shelved amid backlash
The theatrical release of the mainland Chinese film “Her Heart Beats In Its Cage” has been suspended following a major public backlash. While the film won prestigious awards internationally, it faced intense domestic criticism for its portrayal of a convicted killer and the controversial involvement of an active inmate in a commercial production.
(13) How Got7’s Jackson Wang went from Hong Kong fencing prodigy to global music icon
Jackson Wang has built an international entertainment empire by blending athletic discipline with a natural flair for showmanship. Born into a family of elite athletes in Hong Kong, Wang was a champion fencer on track for the 2012 London Olympics before walking away to join the South Korean agency JYP Entertainment. He debuted in 2014 as the charismatic, multilingual rapper of the hit K-pop group Got7. His chaotic energy and sharp wit quickly made him a favorite on variety shows across South Korea and mainland China.
(1) Jackie Chan to headline twin action film events Sun Island Film Week and Jackie Chan International Action Film Week
(Photo provided to China Daily)
Movie legend Jackie Chan is bringing a massive celebration of action cinema to Harbin this summer through two linked festivals. A recent press conference in Beijing confirmed that the inaugural Sun Island Film Week will run from August 6 to 9, while the 7th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week follows immediately from August 10 to 12. Both events will take place along the scenic Songhua River and serve as a global stage for screenings and industry awards.
Chan established his signature film week in 2015 to focus on the unsung heroes of the industry – stunt performers. For decades, he acts as a vocal advocate for stunt doubles and choreographers who risk their lives for film productions but rarely see their names on movie posters or receive recognition within the industry. At the launch ceremony of the film events, the 72-year-old actor gave a moving speech and invited stunt performers from every country to join the festivities. He emphasized that as long as a performer has the talent and passion for stunt action, they will have a place at his event. Organizers plan to screen 25 films during the week, including the high-profile martial arts epic “Blades of the Guardians” and the 2025 action thriller “The Shadow’s Edge”, the latter of which stars Jackie Chan himself. The celebration will conclude with the Iron Man Awards to recognize outstanding achievements in action filmmaking. Netizens have shown significant interest in the lineup, proving that Chan’s legacy of humor and wisdom continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/15/WS6a06d532a310d6866eb48deb_1.html
(2) Shanghai International Film Festival launches AI project
(Photo provided to China Daily)
The Shanghai International Film Festival has officially launched an experimental lab to explore how artificial intelligence can be practically used in movie production. Known as the “AI Backlot project”, this initiative was unveiled at the Wisdom Library in Shanghai. The festival selected four specific production teams from a pool of nearly 500 applicants across seven countries. Among these four teams, each group is a unique blend of traditional filmmakers and specialized AI “super-creators” working together on a single vision.
Over the next month, these teams will produce original short films while documenting every step of their process. They will record their workflows, budgeting decisions, and the division of labor between human talent and digital tools. The goal is to provide the film industry with a reference sample that addresses common concerns about AI. This includes how to maintain a creator’s artistic voice and how these tools might change the future of storytelling.
Public workshops will follow on June 14 and 15 at the Shanghai Film Art Center. During these sessions, the teams and academic observers will discuss their real-world insights with industry guests. The project is a collaboration between the festival and Hailuo AI, a platform owned by Shanghai AI company MiniMax. By merging technology with academic guidance from the Communication University of China, the festival hopes to move AI from a theoretical concept into a functional part of the filmmaker’s toolkit.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/15/WS6a06d99fa310d6866eb48dff_1.html
(3) China Film Pavilion Returns to Cannes as China Film Co-Production Corporation Presents Over 180 Domestic Films
(Photo Credit: China Film Co-Production Corporation)
The China Film Pavilion is marking its fifth year at the Cannes Film Festival by showcasing a rapidly expanding domestic market. Organized by the China Film Co-Production Corporation, the cultural and trade exhibition represents 70 major media companies and institutions from China. The exhibition started with a promotional video putting forward industry data, reporting that the Chinese film market earned $7.45 billion in 2025. This momentum has continued into 2026, with the box office already reaching nearly $2 billion by early May. China also currently leads the world in infrastructure, boasting over 93,000 cinema screens.
To capitalize on this growth, the pavilion promoted more than 180 projects to international buyers and distributors. Featured titles include the family drama “Shanghai Wonton” and the female-focused comedy “It’s OK”. A major highlight is “A Story About Fire”, which is the first animated feature hand-painted on traditional Xuan paper.
The pavilion’s primary goal is to foster deeper ties between local filmmakers and the global industry. Through networking events and market screenings, the delegation is actively connecting Chinese institutions with international producers and tech representatives. By building these bridges, the pavilion aims to ensure that Chinese content continues to engage audiences far beyond its own borders.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/china-film-pavilion-cannes-presents-over-180-domestic-films-1236749966/
(4) From ‘Ne Zha 2’ to Hand-Painted Animation, Chinese Cinema Is Rewriting the Rules
(Photo Credit: China Film Co-Production Corporation)
The China Film Pavilion has returned to Cannes with a major focus on the country’s booming animation sector. Last year, the blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” became the highest-grossing animated film in history with $2.2 billion at the box office, surpassing Disney’s “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated film in history. This success has brought new international attention to Chinese creators who are now blending commercial appeal with deep cultural roots.
At the heart of this year’s showcase is “A Story About Fire”, a unique feature by director Li Wenyu. The film is notable for being the first animated movie hand-painted entirely on traditional Xuan paper. This specialized material is prized for its soft texture, but it presented a massive challenge because the ink work is difficult to standardize. To maintain a consistent look, Li had to complete a vast amount of the drawing himself. He believes that animation’s greatest strength is its ability to use different materials to break past the limits of conventional cinema.
Beyond experimental art, the pavilion is also highlighting reliable family franchises like Chinese animated film “Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector”. Experts note that Chinese animation has become incredibly diverse, ranging from 3D epics to poetic indie projects. By showcasing these works at Cannes, the pavilion aims to integrate Chinese talent more deeply with global resources and prove that their storytelling has reached a world-class level.
News Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/ne-zha-2-hand-painted-animation-china-cinema-rewrites-rules-1236587919/
(5) Jia Zhang-ke on His Cannes Short ‘Torino Shadow,’ AI, and Why Cinema Still Needs You in the Room
(Photo Credit: Asian Fil Awards)
Acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke has debuted his latest short film, “Torino Shadow”, as an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival. The 32-minute film serves as a personal meditation on the power of the moving image, and the storyline moves between the city of Turin in Italy and Taishan in China’s Guangdong province. Jia noticed that the two locations share similar historical architecture and cultural habits, such as shadow puppetry. He uses these parallels to show that humans have always used fantasy and imagery to describe their shared emotions.
Beyond the art, the film addresses a growing concern in the media industry regarding shrinking audiences for traditional movies. Jia believes the aesthetic pleasures of the big screen are fading in the digital age, and he hopes this project reminds viewers why cinemas are still necessary. He has also previously experimented with artificial intelligence tools but remains a supporter of traditional filmmaking. For Jia, making a movie is a collective human effort that technology cannot fully replace.
While his next major feature film is slightly delayed, Jia continues to influence the industry through his distribution label, Unknown Pleasures. The company is currently acquiring international titles and supporting projects from other famous Asian directors. He plans to begin shooting his next feature later this year after the Pingyao International Film Festival.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/jia-zhang-ke-torino-shadow-interview-cannes-1236750770/
(6) Taiwan’s pushing presence at Cannes Film Festival
(Photo Credit: CNA)
Taiwan has launched an ambitious campaign at the Cannes Film Festival to secure greater international recognition for its media and entertainment sectors. The Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) has established a dedicated pavilion at the festival’s film market to showcase the island’s intellectual property and original stories. A major highlight is the screening of the 1989 classic “The Dull-Ice Flower” in the “Cannes Classics” section. This digitally restored film is being celebrated for its honest and unadorned portrayal of social realities in everyday life.
The delegation is also focusing heavily on modern storytelling formats and technical innovation. The manga “The Echo Before Dawn” was selected for a special pitching event because of its strong potential for film adaptation. Additionally, Taiwan is leading the way in virtual reality with several high-profile immersive works. One production, “Playing With Fire”, has been entered into the festival’s official immersive competition. These projects demonstrate Taiwan’s ability to blend traditional narratives with new digital tools.
Beyond visual media, Taiwanese musical talent is gaining traction on the world stage. Emerging composer Lee Pei-chin was selected for a prestigious initiative spotlighting new musical voices. Her work is featured in the film “Nagi Notes”, which is currently competing for the festival’s top prize Palme d’Or. By presenting a unified front of film, music, and technology, Taiwan hopes to forge lasting partnerships with global filmmakers and prove the strength of its creative industry.
News Source: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/18/2003857532
(7) CCIDA and Hong Kong Film Development Council lead industry delegation to 79th Cannes Film Festival to showcase Hong Kong Cinema
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong Government)
Hong Kong has made a significant impact at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with a high-profile delegation led by the CCIDA and the FDC. The mission features a diverse group of industry veterans and emerging voices, including new-generation actors Carlos Chan and Natalie Hsu. A central feature of their presence is the “Hong Kong Cinema @ Cannes 2026” pavilion. This space serves as a hub for international networking and promotes the city as a center for cultural exchange. The “Hong Kong Night” reception on May 16 successfully drew roughly 600 global industry players to connect with Hong Kong’s creative teams.
A major focus of the delegation is the integration of new technology and international financing. Seminars hosted at the festival have explored the application of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and the future of Asian film production. To support the next generation of creators, the FDC also introduced winners of the Hong Kong Content Development Scheme for Streaming Platform to join fellow Hong Kong producers at the Hong Kong project pitching session. During this event, local filmmakers are given the chance to introduce their projects to overseas industry players.
Behind the scenes, leadership from the FDC and CCIDA met with representatives from prestigious institutions like the British Film Institute and major festivals in Venice and Toronto. These meetings aim to strengthen institutional ties and ensure that Hong Kong films continue to reach a wide global audience. By combining traditional filmmaking expertise with cutting-edge tech and strategic business matching, Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as a vital player in the international media landscape.
News Source: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/17/P2026051500586.htm?fontSize=1
(8) Sandy Lam returns to HK after 9 years, fans flock to Kai Tak as ticket stubs unlock retail perks
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
Sandy Lam’s long-awaited homecoming concerts proved to not just be a musical milestone but also a major economic driver for the newly developed Kai Tak district. Fans from across the region flooded into Hong Kong, with the adjacent Kai Tak Mall becoming a central hub for activity. By presenting their concert tickets, attendees accessed exclusive retail and dining discounts, a strategy that successfully encouraged fans to spend hours at the venue both before and after the 7:00 PM shows.
The scale of consumer impact was substantial, highlighted by international visitors who viewed the concert as a multi-day travel event. One fan from Shanghai reported spending HK$90,000 on luxury goods within just two hours of arriving, while others from Guangzhou and Malaysia integrated the show as part of their sight-seeing trip in Hong Kong. To accommodate the influx, many shops and restaurants in the area extended their operating hours, transforming the concert into a weekend-long “staycation” experience for both locals and tourists.
Beyond the music, the fan community created a vibrant cultural atmosphere. The official Hong Kong fan club organized a limited-time exhibition at Kai Tak Mall, showcasing decades of Sandy Lam’s career through rare vinyl, vintage posters, and magazine clippings. Lawrence, the fan club president, noted that the integrated layout of the Kai Tak Sports Park provided the perfect environment for thousands of supporters to gather, exchange souvenirs, and celebrate Lam’s 40-year legacy in a way that traditional venues previously couldn’t support.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/news/article/332224/Sandy-Lam-returns-to-HK-after-9-years-fans-flock-to-Kai-Tak-as-ticket-stubs-unlock-retail-perks
(9) Chinese Indie Folk singer signs exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group China
(Photo provided to China Daily)
Universal Music Publishing Group China has officially secured an exclusive global songwriting and composition rights agreement with Chinese indie folk artist Wan Xiaoli. As one of the most significant figures in the Chinese independent music scene, Wan has spent over twenty years defining the contemporary folk genre. This new partnership aims to elevate his extensive catalogue by providing professional copyright management, global distribution, and cross-sector development opportunities.
Wan Xiaoli first gained national attention with his 2002 debut album and solidified his status with his 2006 album, “It’s Not as Bad as You Imagine”. His work is highly regarded in China for its poetic lyrics and deep insight into human nature. By joining forces with a global major like UMPG, Wan intends to focus purely on his artistic creation while the company handles the commercial and administrative complexities of the international music market.
Within the industry, this deal signals a growing interest from global giants in local independent talent. Patricia Sun, the managing director of UMPG China, described Wan’s work as a cornerstone of the country’s folk music. The collaboration will ensure that his music thrives both artistically and commercially on a global scale. It also provides a roadmap for other Chinese independent artists seeking to reach international listeners through professional publishing support.
News Source: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/14/WS6a057abca310d6866eb48a0c.html
(10) “The Season”: Hulu Drops First Trailer for its Hong Kong Revenge Drama TV Series
(Photo Credit: SK Global)
Set against the exclusive backdrop of Hong Kong’s summer boating scene, The Season is a high-octane psychological thriller that centers on the Hext family, a dynasty whose power is as vast as their secrets. The story follows Cola, played by English actress Jessie Mei Li, a mysterious newcomer who infiltrates this tight-knit circle with a singular mission to dismantle the Hext family empire. Produced by American production company SK Global and Hong Kong’s PCCW Media, the series promises a “champagne-fuelled” exploration of betrayal and social hierarchy.
The production boasts a powerhouse international cast, signaling a strategic push for global streaming dominance. Alongside Li, the ensemble includes Toby Stephens, who is known for playing the role of Bond villain Gustav Graves, as the Hext patriarch; Australian actor Chris Pang, and three-time Golden Horse winner Karena Lam. Regional appeal is further bolstered by Hong Kong idols Anson Lo and Marf Yau. Created by Yalun Tu, the six-part English-language drama is part of a growing trend of premium Asian content designed for Western and Eastern audiences alike.
The Season is scheduled to premiere on June 17, 2026, on Hulu in the U.S. and will be distributed via Now TV and Viu across Asia and the Middle East. With its blend of luxury aesthetics and lethal alliances, it is already being cited as a potential breakout hit for the summer streaming season.
News Source: https://www.weareresonate.com/2026/05/the-season-hulu-drops-first-trailer-for-its-hong-kong-revenge-drama-tv-series/
(Photo Credit: Beach House Pictures)
Singapore-based Beach House Pictures has announced two major documentary projects that highlight a deepening collaboration with the Chinese media sector. The first, “Panda School”, is a three-part series for National Geographic focused on panda conservation in Sichuan Province. By casting Hong Kong-born, Chinese-American actor Jimmy O. Yang as the narrator, the production aims to bring a modern, character-driven perspective to traditional wildlife filmmaking. This approach reflects a growing trend in the industry to package Chinese environmental stories for international streaming audiences.
The second project, “Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor”, is a high-profile historical documentary co-produced with China state media company China Media Group. The film was granted exclusive access to recent archaeological findings regarding the military innovations of Qin Shi Huang. This partnership between a major Western distributor and China’s state broadcaster underscores the increasing demand for “prestige factual” content that explores Chinese history through high-end reconstructions and cutting-edge science.
These projects demonstrate a strategic shift for Asian production hubs, which are increasingly acting as bridges between Chinese state media and global broadcasters like SBS and Nat Geo. By combining CMG’s deep archival access with Beach House Pictures’ expertise in global storytelling, the studio is successfully exporting Chinese narratives to the world stage. These commissions confirm that premium factual content remains a vital sector for cross-border cooperation in the 2026 media landscape.
News Source:https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/jimmy-o-yang-panda-school-beach-house-pictures-fremantle-1236754599/
(12) Chinese film starring convicted killer shelved amid backlash
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
The mainland Chinese film “Her Heart Beats In Its Cage” has been indefinitely removed from its release schedule as regulators in Shanghai launch a review of the production. Based on the true story of Zhao Xiaohong, who was convicted of killing her husband in 2009, the film gained global attention last year when Zhao herself won the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance at the San Sebastián Film Festival. However, the film’s attempt to transition to the domestic market has been halted by a wave of online criticism.
The controversy centers on the film’s depiction of the crime as an act of self-defense following domestic abuse. Online commentators and legal experts have pointed to court records showing that Zhao was sentenced for intentional injury rather than self-defense, with original judgments failing to establish a history of domestic violence. Critics argue that the film “whitewashes” a violent crime and misrepresents the legal reality of the case. Furthermore, the decision to have a convicted individual star in a commercial project has raised serious questions regarding prison regulations, which typically limit inmate activities to rehabilitation rather than professional acting.
In response to the growing outcry, the film’s producers argued that the work was intended to reflect the emotional toll of an abusive environment. Nevertheless, the backlash has led to the suspension of Zhao’s social media accounts and a total pause on promotional activities. This development highlights the complex tension in China’s media landscape between international artistic recognition and the strict ethical and legal standards required for domestic distribution.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china/article/332547/Chinese-film-starring-convicted-killer-shelved-amid-backlash
(13) How Got7’s Jackson Wang went from Hong Kong fencing prodigy to global music icon
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Jackson Wang has built an international entertainment empire by blending athletic discipline with a natural flair for showmanship. Born into a family of elite athletes in Hong Kong, Wang was a champion fencer on track for the 2012 London Olympics before walking away to join the South Korean agency JYP Entertainment. He debuted in 2014 as the charismatic, multilingual rapper of the hit K-pop group Got7. His chaotic energy and sharp wit quickly made him a favorite on variety shows across South Korea and mainland China.
Ambitious to create his own identity, Wang launched his independent label, Team Wang, in 2017 to manage his solo music and high-end streetwear brand. His creative drive paid off commercially when his albums systematically shattered records. His recent release, Magic Man 2, peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 chart. He also made history as the first Chinese solo artist to perform multiple times at the Coachella music festival, using his massive global platform to fiercely champion Chinese music and culture.
While Got7 made headlines by successfully securing their full trademark rights after leaving their original agency, Wang has focused heavily on expanding his solo presence. He is currently on a global tour for Magic Man 2, packing venues across Asia and North America. From a young athlete performing on the fencing strip to a global entrepreneur, Wang continues to reshape how Asian artists navigate the international media landscape.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3354172/how-got7s-jackson-wang-went-hong-kong-fencing-prodigy-global-music-icon?pgtype=live
