Chinese micro-dramas shine at 2nd television festival of SCO countries

The potential for more Chinese dramas to go global on screens big and small was a central topic at the second Television Festival of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries, held in Xi'an City on Wednesday with nearly 300 delegates from 19 countries in attendance.

Themed "Joining Civilizations: Audio Video Creations for a Shared Future," the event gathered government officials, industry representatives, academics, and embassy staff to strengthen cross-border audiovisual cooperation and drive new partnerships in the fast-growing micro-drama and content production sectors.

China has co-produced 13 audiovisual programs with SCO countries so far, and over 200 foreign productions have been broadcast on Chinese television and streaming platforms.

Sessions on industry cooperation, content distribution, and market development were held on the sidelines of the event, highlighting the rapid growth of China's 50 billion yuan micro-drama industry and its expanding global influence.

"Recently, we purchased many micro-dramas, 'vertical dramas', from China, and we acquired for the biggest Indian OTT [over-the-top media services] platform called Cuckoo TV. We sold more than 200 (or) 300 Chinese micro-dramas to India. And we do the remake rights of micro-dramas and we do our own productions in India on re-release. We are into a micro-drama and look forward to collaborating with China and Chinese distribution companies for more micro-dramas to distribute and purchase," said Samikshya Panta, head of the Sales and Marketing Department of Mountain River Films.

Eyup Saritas, director of the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center in Beijing, said Chinese film and TV industry is drawing increasing attention from Turkish audiences.

"Turkish youth are increasingly interested in Chinese dramas because they are curious about Chinese language and culture," he said.

Furthermore, the event also unveiled the 2025 SCO TV Festival Declaration and showcased 40 landmark programs.

Iran's response to the latest U.S. proposed text for ending the war was sent on Sunday to the Pakistani mediator, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

According to the proposed plan, at this stage, negotiations will focus on ending the war in the region, the IRNA report said.

On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan that failed to produce a deal.