From an emerging format to a booming industry trend, (vertical) short drama has grown beyond being just an innovation in storytelling—it has become a powerful new vehicle for Chinese cultural export. At the same time, creators, producers, and actors from Europe, Latin America, Africa, North America, and Australia are increasingly turning their eyes toward China. They’re drawn by the success formula of Chinese short dramas, exploring the possibilities of cross-cultural collaboration, and seeking to bring their own local stories to a global audience through Chinese platforms.
As the China–CELAC Ministerial Forum convenes in Beijing, a conversation—one that bridges languages, cultures, and creative industries—is about to unfold in Hengdian.
Known as the world’s largest live-action film and television production base, Hengdian World Studios offers not only extensive infrastructure and policy support but has also become a key hub for China’s short drama production. In recent years, Hengdian has actively advanced its “Global Short Drama” strategy, aiming to build a pivotal platform for international audiovisual cooperation.
The upcoming “Hengdian Film Forum · Special Edition” reflects this vision, serving as a dynamic site for in-depth dialogue on the future of global short-drama storytelling and cross-cultural film collaboration.
Event Details
Organizers: Hengdian World Studios & Dalynn Studio
Theme: The Future of Global Short Drama and Cross-Cultural Film Collaboration
Date: May 25, 2025
Time: 09:00–11:30
Venue: Multi-Function Hall,Hengdian Chinese Film Industrial Park
This special session will feature industry speakers from China, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, South Africa,Serbia and more, sharing project insights and practical strategies on key topics such as:
• How can Chinese short dramas expand more effectively on the global stage? And how can international content align with China’s distribution platforms?
• What are the challenges and solutions in building a structured, standardized approach to working with foreign actors in China?
• Can Chinese and Western storytelling merge into a new global short drama language?
• How can international creative projects move from dialogue to actual collaboration in Hengdian?
• How can Hengdian serve as a hub for closer collaboration between China and global film markets—particularly Latin America?
Additionally, over 20 international film professionals from the United States, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Germany, Switzerland, and other countries will attend the event as participants. They will engage in open, solution-driven conversations with Chinese industry peers.
Whether you’re a short drama creator, a co-production explorer, or someone interested in the future of global audiovisual collaboration, we warmly invite you to join us for this open, practical, and forward-looking industry dialogue.Let short dramas not only “go global”—but also invite creators to “come in.”
