The Looking China — Foreign Youth Film Program has been a transformative cultural exchange initiative for over a decade, bringing young filmmakers from around the world closer to Chinese culture. Since its inception in 2011, the program has evolved into a significant platform for international youth to explore and document the diverse facets of Chinese society. Participants, many visiting China for the first time, have created over 1,150 short documentaries, capturing the essence of rural villages, heritage artisans, and emerging creative industries across 14 provincial-level regions. These films have garnered over 200 international awards and reached an estimated 600 million viewers worldwide. Christine Jiaqi An, a Chinese American filmmaker, shared her profound experience of reconnecting with her roots during her 2024 trip to Guizhou province, where she filmed ‘Timeless Voices,’ a documentary highlighting indigenous oral traditions. Similarly, Mateo Nikolav, a UCLA film student, directed ‘Sixty Seconds,’ which delves into the life of a young actor navigating China’s burgeoning creative industry. Sammi Su from the University of Southern California explored the cultural identity of Shaxian through its iconic snack culture in her film ‘Shaxian Snacks.’ The program’s founder, Huang Huilin, emphasized its role in sharing Chinese stories globally, allowing international audiences to experience the warmth of China through diverse and youthful perspectives. The recent China-US Film and TV Night in Los Angeles, themed ‘Recording Friendship Through Light and Shadow,’ showcased the program’s impact, featuring screenings and discussions on the enduring spirit of cultural exchange. Chinese Consul General Guo Shaochun highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering mutual understanding, while Hollywood producer Andre Morgan underscored the power of shared experiences in overcoming misunderstandings and building cultural bridges.