This year’s China (Hengdian) International Film Festival saw an unprecedented level of international participation, highlighting Hengdian’s growing role on the global film stage.
Representatives from over 10 countries, including Argentina, Spain, Uruguay, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Italy, South Africa, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, joined the International Joint Pavilion at the China (Hengdian) International Film Market. These guests included consuls, cultural officers, producers, curators, and film professionals from both the public and private sectors. Their visit reflects not only a shared interest in collaboration, but also Hengdian’s increasing visibility in the global screen industry.
The festival also featured a special event—the International Film and Culture Presentation, where guests introduced their countries’ film industries and explored cooperation opportunities with China:
•Santiago Cataldo, Cultural and Tourism Consul of Argentina, highlighted the country’s strong presence in Latin American cinema and expressed interest in bringing Argentine content and talent into the Chinese market.
•Carlos Rodríguez, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Shanghai, presented the country’s production-friendly environment, attractive locations, and policy incentives for international projects.
•Mary Lynn and Marta Cámara from Dalynn Studio discussed trends in cross-regional collaboration across Latin America, Europe, and China, and introduced several IPs suitable for co-development.
•Keith Collea, a filmmaker and creative producer working across Hollywood and China, discussed the differences between the two film industries and proposed building a more competitive and localized production system in China.
•Leonida Matajis from Serbia shared her inspiration from renowned Chinese directors and presented a project based on historical events, focused on shared human experiences.
•Jorj Auré (South Africa), Alberto Lancellotti (Italy), and other speakers also shared their latest projects, seeking artistic and production partnerships in the Chinese market.
The presentations were attended by Chinese production companies and platform executives, some of whom expressed interest in follow-up meetings and project discussions.
While this was the first time such a broad international delegation participated in the Hengdian Film Market, it likely won’t be the last. Through direct exchange and face-to-face engagement, the event created space for mutual understanding—on industry models, production methods, and cultural values. These connections are essential for building meaningful and sustainable international partnerships.
As Hengdian continues to grow from a domestic production hub into an international filming destination, events like this show how film can serve as a bridge,not just between creators, but between cultures.
