The 21st Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American TV Festival, held annually in Los Angeles, showcased the deepening ties between the Chinese and US film industries. The event, which took place on November 6, 2025, brought together filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders from both nations, emphasizing the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides. Major Hollywood studios, including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros Discovery, were honored for their success in the Chinese market, with blockbusters like ‘Venom: The Last Dance,’ ‘Jurassic World Rebirth,’ and ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’ receiving the ‘Most Popular US Film in China’ awards. Industry executives expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration with Chinese partners. Jason Brenek, CEO of MetaMedia, highlighted the potential for increased cultural exchange, noting the growing appetite for Chinese-language films in the US. Hollywood producer Bill Borden, known for China-inspired films like ‘Kung Fu Hustle,’ emphasized the importance of cultural blending in creative processes. Chinese actor Zhang Luyi, who won the Best Actor Award for his role in ‘The Secret Path,’ and director Yang Zi, whose film ‘The Shadow’s Edge’ won Best Golden Angel Film of the Year, both underscored the value of cross-cultural understanding in filmmaking. The festival, launched in 2005, has become a vital platform for fostering long-term partnerships through coproductions, distribution deals, and artistic dialogue. With China’s film and television industry projected to reach 1.49 trillion yuan ($207 billion) in operating income by the end of 2025, the potential for further collaboration between the two nations remains immense.
Bridging screens, sharing stories: Festival highlights cooperation between China and US film industries
