On April 25, the Star Horizon Grand Ceremony, jointly hosted by the Beijing International Film Festival Organizing Committee, The School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China (RUC), and Qingmu Tianfeng Digital Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., opened with great fanfare in Beijing.
Bringing together some of the most influential voices in the micro-drama industry, the event featured an esteemed panel of jurors and forum speakers — including award-winning directors, veteran producers, leading academics, media executives, and representatives from new media talent initiatives. Together, they spanned the worlds of film creation, academic research, and industry development. After a rigorous selection process, 30 outstanding micro-drama works were officially unveiled, showcasing a powerful shift in Chinese micro-dramas — from “fast and viral” content to a new wave of artistry and global storytelling.
At this pivotal moment for the short drama industry, Hengdian International Short Drama Alliance and Star Horizon announced a strategic partnership, working together to build a platform for IP incubation and global talent development, shaping a new future for the worldwide short drama ecosystem.
A Strategic Alliance: Ushering in a New Era of Short Dramas
During the ceremony, Hengdian International Short Drama Alliance and Star Horizon signed a formal cooperation agreement, setting the stage for collaboration across four key areas:
•Co-developing the short drama industry by hosting awards ceremonies and international showcases
• Launching joint short drama camps and global media talent programs
• Exploring AI innovation and establishing standardized systems for short drama production
• Expanding international markets by building a global distribution and trading network
From content creation to talent cultivation, from technological breakthroughs to market expansion, this partnership marks a forward-looking commitment to empowering the short drama industry on a global scale.
Empowering the Industry: Unlocking the New Potential of Short Dramas
As one of the cornerstones of China’s film and television industry, Hengdian has always been a pioneer of change. With the rise of short dramas as a dynamic new storytelling form, Hengdian is evolving — from a leading filming destination into a global hub for content incubation, international collaboration, technological innovation, and talent development.
At the roundtable forum, the leader of the Hengdian International Short Drama Alliance outlined the vision for the future:
• Establishing a Vertical Short Drama Operations Center and founding the Hengdian International Short Drama Alliance to connect resources worldwide
• Launching the “10 Nations, 100 Cities” initiative to set up overseas short drama hubs
• Building a comprehensive talent development system to nurture the next generation of global short drama creators
Nurturing Talent: Building a Thriving Short Drama Ecosystem
Talent is the beating heart of Hengdian’s strategy for the international short drama landscape. Through its collaboration with Star Horizon, Hengdian is rolling out the Hengdian Full-Chain Short Drama Talent Development Program — aiming to cultivate a new generation of creators and industry professionals with a truly global outlook.
Hengdian has already launched its vertical short drama acting classes, offering professional training, guest masterclasses, and real-world practice to aspiring actors passionate about their craft. Looking ahead, the Hengdian International Short Drama Alliance will continue to offer intensive programs, including acting workshops, screenwriting labs, and directing masterclasses — creating a complete pathway from creative development to international exposure, and offering every rising talent the chance to shine on a global stage.
In today’s content-driven world, short dramas are more than just entertainment — they are bridges that connect cultures and voices across the globe.Together with visionary partners, Hengdian is telling new stories for a new era — stories that celebrate China’s creativity and imagination, and share them with the world through the universal language of short dramas.
Brilliant horizons lie ahead — and Hengdian is moving forward with you.The future is here. Are you ready?